Katharina Tigges-Limmer, Scott Stock Gissendanner, Yvonne Brocks, Jan Gummert
This commentary discusses research and consensus guidelines regarding the prevalence of mental health problems among heart surgery patients and the provision of mental health care before, during and after surgery. Comorbid mental illnesses-including especially depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder-are present in this patient group and associated with higher mortality risk. Consensus guidelines recommend screening, assessment and intervention for affected patients.