[Heart patient with depressive disorder. Proper treatment method]

Abstract

Mild and severe depressive disorders are an independent risk factor for cardiac mortality following myocardial infarction, and possibly also for coronary heart disease. The depressive symptoms should always be treated despite the fact that an influence on the cardiac situation has not (yet) been empirically shown. For treatment, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, but also other substances, are available, together with brief psychotherapeutic techniques and the promotion of social support.