Determination of the Relationship between Major Depression, Anxiety and Sleep with Substance Abuse in Coronary Artery Patients Needing Angiography

Background: Coronary artery disease is among leading causes of mortality and may be accompanied with psychiatric disorders. This is especially true in patients who abuse substances. Objectives: The aim of this study was evaluation of the major depression, anxiety and sleep in patients needing coronary angiography and their correlation with substance abuse. Material and Methods: In this descriptive and analytical study, 200 patients needing angiography participated. Data gathered by General Health Questionnaire-28 and clinical interviewing for evaluation of substance abuse. Patients with a score higher than 22 were interviewed by a psychiatrist. Patients whom after psychiatric visit and clinical interview met the criteria were the case group and those who did not meet criteria for psychiatric illness were placed in the control group. Then all of them were evaluated for the substance abuse and finally correlations of the variables were investigated. Results: 44.5% of 200 individuals participating in this study, had anxiety disorders and sleep problems. Meanwhile, 40% of patients had major depression. No one had problem in social functioning. There was a significant relationship between substance abuse and psychological problems in patients needing angiography. Substance abuse increased risk of psychological problems and patients with substance abuse had higher risk of psychiatric disorders for 7 times. Conclusions: Heart disease particularly coronary artery one may have negative effect on mental health of patients. As a result, there is need for psychiatric evaluation in these patients and intervention to teach stress control and management. It is recommended that, patients get psychiatric consultation on substance abuse and psychological problems dimension, before anxiety provoking procedures like angiography.