Which percentage of patients with coronary artery disease and depression has been referred a psychiatrist

Introduction Recent studies indicate high prevalence of clinical depression and use of antidepressants in patients with coronary artery disease, but the evidence and data about these topics is scant in our country. Aims The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and severity of depression, risk factors associated with depression, the prevalence of use of antidepressants, specialty of the physician who prescribed the antidepressants and type of antidepressants in patients with coronary heart disease. Methods In this cross-sectional study, the information of 540 patients with coronary artery disease were collected through their records. In determining the frequency and severity of depression, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) test was used. Results From 540 patients, 321 cases (4/59%) were male. Prevalence of depression among patients with coronary heart disease was 29.6%. The average score of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was 6.31±3.91. Also, the prevalence of antidepressant use was 14.6% and 8.7% had a history of using SSRIs. Depression was associated with severity of coronary atherosclerosis, hypertension and diabetes. In three forth of patients the antidepressants were prescribed by a cardiologist or internist without referral to a psychiatrist and only 25% reported were referred to a psychiatrist. Conclusion Approximately one third of patients with coronary artery disease suffered from depression and this depression were associated with more severe coronary artery disease and hypertension and diabetes. Less than one in five patients taking antidepressants mentioned referral to a psychiatrist.