Anxiety and depression in coronary artery bypass surgery patients: A prospective clinical study

Aim: A prospective view on the incidence of depression and anxiety in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery may reveal the importance of psychological support as a part of cardiac rehabilitation. This study aims to determine depression and anxiety levels of CABG patients in the preoperative and postoperative periods, and their correlation with demographic data and length of hospital stay. Material and Methods: Ninety-eight patients undergoing elective first CABG surgery were assessed in terms of depression and anxiety using Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BM) on day before, 3 days after, 7 days after and 30 days after surgery. Age, gender, length of hospital stay, and profession were also evaluated to see whether they affect depression and anxiety. Results: In patients, (60 males, 38 females, mean age 46 +/- 6.54, range of 43-76 years) the levels of depression and anxiety symptoms were higher on the postoperative 3rd and 7th days than in the preoperative period (p<0.001). Discussion: Depression and anxiety affect postoperative outcomes and recovery after cardiac surgery. Psychological preventive counseling and a detailed explanation of cardiac surgery may reduce patients' emotional stress, medical and economic costs.