What are the main recommendations of the American Heart Association for treating depression in patients with coronary heart disease?
The main recommendations of the American Heart Association for treating depression in patients with coronary heart disease are to screen, refer, and treat patients with depression. Screening should include asking about symptoms of depression and assessing risk factors. Referral should be made to mental health professionals for further evaluation and treatment. Treatment options include medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. Other recommended interventions include patient education, smoking cessation programs, and lifestyle changes to reduce cardiovascular risk.