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 patterns of anxiety and depression in older patients who undergo coronary bypass graft surgery and to determine the influence of gender and age on psychological recovery. A sample of 31 patients was assessed pre- and postoperatively at 2 to 3 days and at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Younger subjects experienced higher anxiety, reaching statistical significance at 2 and 4 weeks. Women had significantly higher trait and state anxiety and a higher, nonsignificant incidence of depression at all times. Younger subjects were more depressed at 2 to 3 days and at weeks 2 and 4. Because women and younger patients are at higher risk for psychological distress, they should be targeted for interventions. Copyright 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company