Treatment For Anxiety and Depression in the Context of Heart Disease
Treatment for anxiety and depression in the context
of heart disease should be managed by a mental health professional—for
example, a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker
who is in close communication with the physician providing the heart
disease treatment.
This is especially important when antidepressant medication is needed or prescribed, so that potentially harmful drug interactions can be avoided.
In some cases, a mental health professional that specializes in treating individuals with depression and co-occurring physical illnesses such as heart disease may be available.
While there are many different treatments for depression, they must be carefully chosen by a trained professional based on the circumstances of the person and family. Recovery from depression takes time.
Anxiety and Depression Medications
Medications for depression can take several weeks to work and
may need to be combined with ongoing psychotherapy. Not everyone
responds to treatment in the same way. Prescriptions and dosing
may need to be adjusted.
No matter how advanced the heart disease, however, the person
does not have to suffer from depression.
Anxiety and DepressonTreatment Can Be Effective
Remember, depression is a treatable disorder of the brain. Depression can be treated in addition to whatever other illnesses a person might have, including heart disease.
This Article about anxiety and depression is part of the NIH Publication
No. 02-5004 article
If you think you may be depressed or know someone who has anxiety
and depression, don't lose hope. Seek help.
You can find more information regarding anxiety
and depression and heart disease at the NIH websiteNIH Publication
No. 02-5004
Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Service National Institutes of Health National Institute of Mental Health May 2002
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