Research article summary (published 29 Jun 2009):

Living with depressive symptoms: patients with heart failure.

Full Abstract

BACKGROUND: Patients with heart failure often experience depressive symptoms that affect health-related quality of life, morbidity, and mortality. Researchers have not described the experience of patients with heart failure living with depressive symptoms. Understanding this experience will help in developing interventions to decrease depressive symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To describe the experience of patients with heart failure living with depressive symptoms. METHODS: This study was conducted by using a qualitative descriptive design. The sample consisted of 10 outpatients (50% female, mean age 63 [SD, 13] years, 70% New York Heart Association class III or IV) with heart failure who were able to describe depressive symptoms. Data were collected via taped, individual, 30- to 60-minute interviews. ATLAS ti (version 5) was used for content analysis. RESULTS: Participants described emotional and somatic symptoms of depression. Negative thinking was present in all participants and reinforced their depressed mood. The participants experienced multiple stressors that worsened depressive symptoms. The overarching strategy for managing depressive symptoms was "taking my mind off of it." Patients managed depressive symptoms by engaging in activities such as exercise and reading, and by using positive thinking, spirituality, and social support. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with heart failure experience symptoms of depression that are similar to those experienced by the general population. Clinicians should assess patients with heart failure for stressors that worsen depressive symptoms. Strategies that researchers and clinicians can use to reduce depressive symptoms in patients with heart failure include engaging patients in activities, positive thinking, and spirituality. Helping patients find enhanced social support may also be important.

Author information

Author/s: Dekker, Rebecca L (RL); Peden, Ann R (AR); Lennie, Terry A (TA); Schooler, Mary P (MP); Moser, Debra K (DK);

Affiliation: University of Kentucky, College of Nursing, Lexington, KY 40536-0232, USA. rdekker(-atsign-)uky.edu

Grants: M01RR02602 (Agency:NCRR NIH HHS) ; P20NR010679 (Agency:NINR NIH HHS) ; R01 NR 008567 (Agency:NINR NIH HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (Am J Crit Care), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Jul; vol 18 (issue 4) : pp 310-8

Dates: Created 2009/06/26; Completed 2009/09/29;

PMID: 19556409, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 9/29/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adaptation, Psychological Adult Aged Aged, 80 and over Attitude to Health Biofeedback (Psychology) Clinical Trials as Topic Cognitive Therapy Depression - diagnosis; prevention & control; psychology; therapy

Female Heart Failure - psychology Humans Male Middle Aged Qualitative Research Severity of Illness Index Sickness Impact Profile Stress, Psychological - psychology

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