Depression and Coping in Heart Failure Patients A Review of the Literature

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to critically evaluate the evidence related to depression and coping in heart failure patients and determine if certain types of coping are more common in heart failure patients with depression. Methods: A computer search of the literature from January 1996 through October 2008 was conducted. PubMed was searched using the following key search terms: congestive heart failure, heart failure, coping, and depression. Three independent reviewers met to discuss the studies, interpret findings, compare studies, and discuss recommendations. Results: Coping strategies were found to be associated with depression in patients with heart failure. Adaptive coping such as active coping, acceptance, and planning tended to be used by more patients and were associated with less depression. Those who used more maladaptive methods of coping such as denial and disengagement had higher levels of depression. Conclusions: Further longitudinal research on depression and coping strategies and best treatment options for coping and depression in patients with heart failure are needed.