The use of cognitive behavioral therapy in the treatment of depression for individuals with CHF

Patients diagnosed with CHF have disproportionately high rates of depression. Research has demonstrated significant consequences of depression in patients with CHF including poor quality of life, worse medical adherence and increased health complications, health care utilization, and medical costs. Despite these consequences, the treatment of depression in patients with CHF has not been widely explored. In fact, a review of the literature demonstrates a clear gap when it comes to efficacious treatments of depression in patients afflicted with CHF. The present article introduces the empirically supported therapy ‘cognitive behavioral therapy’ (CBT) and provides information about the literature supporting the use of CBT in depressed patients. Finally, the present authors offer some practical suggestions for healthcare providers treating depressed patients with CHF.