Depression, anxiety, and neuropsychological performance in coronary artery bypass graft patients: a follow-up study

Abstract

Background: Undergoing coronary-artery bypass surgery (CABG) remains a significant life-event, with an important psycho-emotional impact on patients and their families.

Objective: The authors examined the incidence and course of depression and anxiety in CABG patients before and after surgery.

Method: The long-term relationship between mood disorders and neuropsychological deficits was studied 1 day before and 6 days (N=53), 6 months (N=37), and 3-5 years (N=43) after the procedure.

Results: Before surgery, one-third of the patients showed mild-to-moderate cognitive-affective symptoms of depression. After surgery, one-fourth still showed elevated depression scores, whereas anxiety was significantly decreased at all post-operative time-points. Patients with higher pre-operative symptoms of depression showed sustained feelings of depression after surgery. Visuomotor performance was most affected by mood.

Conclusion: Data indicated that patients with preoperative moderate cognitive-affective depression could be at risk for sustained feelings of depression even up to 5 years after surgery.