Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder in coronary artery disease, and it can
worsen cardiac outcomes. Also, cardiac disease predisposes patients to the development of
depression. Assessment of depression is an important part of ongoing patient contacts. It can
be easily done through the regular use of a self-report screening tool and the clinical interview.
Treatment can consist of antidepressant use, psychotherapy and mindfulness-based group
therapy. The antidepressants known as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can generally
be used safely in cardiac patients. They are a mainstay in the treatment of moderate to
severe depression. Individual cognitive-behavioral therapy can treat milder forms of depression
and can augment antidepressant use in more severe cases. Mindfulness-based group
therapy can provide patients with additional means of handling distress while offering social
contact and support, both of which are important in the treatment of depression. The use of
consulting psychiatric services offers the cardiologist a collaborative team approach when
treating patients with depressive illnesses
