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American Journal of Critical Care. 2009;18: 310-318 doi:10.4037/ajcc2009672
Copyright © 2009 by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.
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Living With Depressive Symptoms: Patients With Heart Failure

By Rebecca L. Dekker, RN, MSN, Ann R. Peden, DSN, ARNP, Terry A. Lennie, RN, PhD, Mary P. Schooler, MSN, ARNP and Debra K. Moser, RN, DNSc. Rebecca L. Dekker is a doctoral candidate, Ann R. Peden is a professor, Terry A. Lennie is an associate professor and associate dean for doctoral studies, Mary P. Schooler is a psychiatric nurse practitioner, and Debra K. Moser is a professor and Linda C. Gill Chair in the College of Nursing at the University of Kentucky in Lexington.

Corresponding author: Rebecca L. Dekker, RN, MSN, University of Kentucky College of Nursing, 315 College of Nursing Building, Lexington, KY 40536-0232 (e-mail: rdekker{at}uky.edu).

Background Patients with heart failure often experience depressive symptoms that affect health-related quality of life, morbidity, and mortality. Researchers have not described the experience of patients with heart failure living with depressive symptoms. Understanding this experience will help in developing interventions to decrease depressive symptoms.

Objective To describe the experience of patients with heart failure living with depressive symptoms.

Methods This study was conducted by using a qualitative descriptive design. The sample consisted of 10 outpatients (50% female, mean age 63 [SD, 13] years, 70% New York Heart Association class III or IV) with heart failure who were able to describe depressive symptoms. Data were collected via taped, individual, 30- to 60-minute interviews. ATLAS ti (version 5) was used for content analysis.

Results Participants described emotional and somatic symptoms of depression. Negative thinking was present in all participants and reinforced their depressed mood. The participants experienced multiple stressors that worsened depressive symptoms. The overarching strategy for managing depressive symptoms was "taking my mind off of it." Patients managed depressive symptoms by engaging in activities such as exercise and reading, and by using positive thinking, spirituality, and social support.

Conclusions Patients with heart failure experience symptoms of depression that are similar to those experienced by the general population. Clinicians should assess patients with heart failure for stressors that worsen depressive symptoms. Strategies that researchers and clinicians can use to reduce depressive symptoms in patients with heart failure include engaging patients in activities, positive thinking, and spirituality. Helping patients find enhanced social support may also be important.






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Copyright © 2009 by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.