LA TERAPIA FARMACOLOGICA DELLA DEPRESSIONE DOPO INFARTO MIOCARDICO ACUTO

Depressed mood and other depressive symptoms frequently appear after acute myocardial in- farction and it is known how these patients have an increased risk for morbidity and mortality com- pared to patients without depression. Many risk factors promote the development of clinical depres- sion in patients with recent myocardial infarction. Although a large number of studies underline the negative prognostic impact of depression on the infarcted patient, only rarely depressed patients are appropriately diagnosed and treated. Furthermore it should be borne in mind that the use of psychotropics in medically ill patients re- quires attention. These compounds, in fact, may interact with the disease causing several complica- tions. In addition since the cardiologic patient is often treated with other drugs, the risk of clinically significant pharmacological interactions is obviously improved. It seems appropriate to give some considerations about therapy and management of the infarcted patient with depression.