Questions in the
Mental Health Forum
have been answered by
Roger L. Gould, M.D., affiliated with U.C.L.A. and
by doctors from Henry Ford Health System.
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Subject: Re: Heart Defects relating to depression Topic Area:Posted by HFHS M.D.- HG on April 16, 1999 at 14:17:25Topic Area: DepressionMy daugther is 17 1/2 yrs. old and she was born with a heart murmur which I was assured closed by 8 mths of age. Within the passed 7 mths she was raped, got pregnant, received a therapeutic abortion. Instead of receiving counselling, or talking she started to use street drugs. The first inital assestment from the hospital was she was experiencing withdrawal shock. Presently, she has been detoxified for 2 mths and she is catatonic (meaning withdrawn and doesn't talk or response, however,when in uncomfortable situations she breaks out in uncontrollable laughter or tears. Presently, she is hospitalized at a excellant hospital that specializes with mental disorders and illnesses. The Doctors well be starting to run tests this week. She is being assest for depression or manic depression. The hospital team is also concern about her biological history, (meaning her Heart Murmur at birth or perhaps a Thyroid imbalance). My questions and concerns are how can a heart murmur effect, bring about symptoms of depression? Is a heart murmur relavant? Thank you for your time and response.
Dear Debbie, The link between the heart and the emotions has been described for thousands of years in religious writings and ancient medical texts. Increasing attention has been paid to the interaction of psychiatric disorders, cardiac symptoms (chest pain and tachycardia ), and cardiac disease. Psychiatric illness can have direct and indirect effects on the heart disease. Heart diseases like Mitral Valve Prolapse (a valvular abnormality which can cause heart murmur), Angina and Myocardial infarction (heart attacks) are known to be associated with anxiety and depressive disorders. There are several types of heart murmurs in different heart diseases. There is no evidence that a heart murmur or a valvular disease can cause depression. Thyroid problems may contribute to depression . The most important factor may be depression secondary to undergoing stressful situations ( rape, Therapeutic abortion ). Street drugs can also contribute to depression. She may need a thorough medical evaluation to rule out any physical causes for her problems. Treatment may include medications and counselling for drug abuse, rape and therapeutic abortion. You can discuss with her physician in detail about her treatment plan. I hope this information is helpful to you. This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be replaced by evaluation with a physician. Key words: Heart disease
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