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World J Cardiol. Jun 26, 2013; 5(6): 186-195
Published online Jun 26, 2013. doi: 10.4330/wjc.v5.i6.186
Depression in adults with congenital heart disease-public health challenge in a rapidly expanding new patient population
Linda B Pauliks
Linda B Pauliks, Penn State Hershey Medical College, Hershey, PA 17033, United States
Author contributions: Pauliks LB solely contributed to this paper.
Correspondence to: Linda B Pauliks, MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Penn State Hershey Medical College, Mailbox HP14, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, United States. lpauliks@hmc.psu.edu
Telephone: +1-717-5318674 Fax: +1-717-5310401
Received: February 6, 2013
Revised: May 14, 2013
Accepted: May 18, 2013
Published online: June 26, 2013
Processing time: 142 Days and 9.9 Hours
Core Tip

Core tip: More and more adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) survive to adulthood. Having survived grave illness in infancy, these patients appear to be at increased risk for mental health problems as adults. This review specifically examines the relationship of CHD and depression. Risk factors and protective strategies are explored. There still is little knowledge on specific treatment for depression in the growing patient population of adults with CHD. When health care providers are aware of depression in adults with CHD this may improve access to appropriate care.