Study: Cardiac arrest patients often endure debilitating mental fallout

Researchers are beginning to realize that with cardiac arrest patients--many who are treated with device implants such as defibrillators--there are far-greater needs than just performing the surgery. Many of these patients end up facing a wide range of long-term problems including anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, according to a new study highlighted by Reuters. Researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University and others reviewed 11 published studies from 1993 to 2011 that explored post-cardiac arrest mental health issues once patients were discharged. One-third experienced depression, and as many as 75 percent endured anxiety, the story notes. A sizeable minority also faced PTSD symptoms. The idea is that assessing and treating these patients for mental illnesses more proactively could help them live longer. Story