Depression, constructive thinking and patient satisfaction in cardiac treatment adherence.

Many patients fail to adhere to prescribed treatment regimens, particularly patients who are depressed. This study examined the link between depression and adherence among 92 patients undergoing post-operative cardiac rehabilitation. Self-reported adherence was measured in terms of both general recommendations and specific health behaviours. Greater depression was associated with general - but not specific - adherence, and this relationship was mediated by lower satisfaction with their doctor - patient interactions. The link between depression and patient satisfaction was itself mediated by less constructive thinking among patients. These results suggest that adherence among cardiac rehabilitation patients may be enhanced by addressing patients' cognitive coping, and by improving the quality of their doctor - patient interactions.