Depression can be a normal mood of temporary sadness after a loss or disappointment. But when depressed mood is severe and accompanied by other symptoms that persist every day for at least two weeks, it is a real illness called major depression (see below) that requires treatment. The August 14, 2002, issue of JAMA includes a study reporting that a particular antidepressant medication was safe and effective for treating major depression in patients who had a recent heart attack. Depression and the Heart
About one in 20 Americans experiences major depression in a given year, but the number goes up to about one in 5 individuals who survive a heart attack. Having a depression can prevent a good recovery after having a heart attack. It also can increase the risk of death following a heart attack. So, recognizing and treating depression following a heart attack is very important.
Treating Depression
Antidepressant medications and psychotherapy (talk therapy) are the most common treatments for major depression and have been shown to be effective. For many patients, using both of these kinds of treatment is best. Unfortunately, some antidepressant medications can have harmful effects on the heart. However, the study reported in the current issues of JAMA indicates that a type of antidepressant medication called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is safe for heart disease patients.
Symptoms of Depression
- Depressed mood — persistent sad or empty feelings
- Loss of interest of pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Persistent feelings of decreased energy, tiredness or listlessness
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating, remembering or making decisions
- Disturbed sleep — sleeping too much or too little, insomnia, waking too early, or oversleeping
- Appetite loss or overeating
- Frequent feelings of either restlessness and irritability or feeling slowed down
- Thoughts of suicide or wishing you were dead
In a major depression, five or more of these symptoms, including depressed mood or loss of interest, occur every day for at least two weeks. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you have such symptoms.
American Psychiatric Association
(888) 357-7924
www.psych.org/public_info
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
(800) 950-NAMI (6264)
www.nami.org/illness/index/html
National Institute of Mental Health
(301) 443-4513
www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/depheart.cfm
Inform Yourself
To find this and previous JAMA Patient Pages, go to the Patient Page Index on JAMA's Web site at www.jama.com. Patient Pages are available in English and Spanish.
Related JAMA Patient Pages
Sources: American Psychiatric Association, National Institute of Mental Health
Sharon Parmet, M.S., Writer
Cassio Lynm, M.A., Illustrator
Richard M. Glass, M.D., Editor
(JAMA. 2002; 288: 792)
Published in JAMA: August 14, 2002
The JAMA Patient Page is a public service of JAMA. The information and recommendations appearing on this page are appropriate in most instances, but they are not a substitute for medical diagnosis. For specific information concerning your personal medical condition, JAMA suggests that you consult your physician. This page may be reproduced noncommercially by physicians and other health care professionals to share with patients. Any other reproduction is subject to AMA approval. To purchase bulk reprints, call (718) 946-7424.
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