That could explain the link. The researchers will follow the study patients for at least 18 months to learn whether the depressed and nondepressed patients have different mortality rates. They also will determine whether treatment for depression vvimproved heart-rate variability. A small study has suggested a modest improvement, but Carney would like to follow those patients for a longer time. We know that depression is a risk factor for death from heart disease, but it's a treatable risk factor.
Patients do feel better after therapy.
What we don't know yet is whether their improved mood translates into higher heart-rate variability and reduced mortality. Funding from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute supported this research. The School of Medicine is one of the leading medical research, teaching and patient care institutions in the nation. Through its affiliations with Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children's hospitals, the School of Medicine is linked to BJC HealthCare. Inc. This news story is not produced by the American Psychological Association and does not necessarily represent the opinions of the association.