Depression and its treatment in cardiac patients.

In general medical-surgical hospital services, depression is the most common reason for seeking psychiatric consultation in behalf of patients with cardiovascular disease. The nontreatment of depression or the use of a psychotropic agent mismatched to a patient's particular cardiac condition or individual sensitivities has considerable negative impact. Therefore, a systematic approach should be used in the differential diagnosis of depression in cardiac patients, to eliminate other psychiatric disorders and to assure the correct treatment strategy. Physicians can develop an appropriate rationale for the use of a psychopharmacologic regimen in cardiovascular settings through recognition of the diagnostic criteria for depression and through comprehensive knowledge of the pharmacologic properties and possible cardiovascular effects of these vital treatments. Standard and alternative pharmacotherapies for depression in cardiac patients are reviewed.