Anxiety and depression: Incidence and patterns in patients after coronary artery bypass graft surgery

The purpose of this longitudinal study was to describe the incidence and pa tterns of anxiety and depression in older patients who undergo coronary byp ass graft surgery and to determine the influence of gender and age on psych ological recovery. A sample of 31 patients was assessed pre- and postoperat ively at 2 to 3 days and at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Younger subjects experie nced higher anxiety, reaching statistical significance at 2 and 4 weeks. Wo men had significantly higher trait and state anxiety and a higher, nonsigni ficant incidence of depression at all times. Younger subjects were more dep ressed at 2 to 3 days and at weeks 2 and 4. Because women and younger patie nts are at higher risk for psychological distress, they should be targeted for interventions. Copyright (C) 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.