The Association of Depression with Type D Personality and Coping Strategies in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

OBJECTIVE: Depression in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) has been a risk factor for adverse cardiovascular events. However, personality types, strategies for coping with stressors, and their associations with depression have not been fully elucidated in patients with CAD. This study explored depression in patients with CAD and examined its association with personality types and coping strategies. METHODS: A prospective observational study of 89 patients with CAD was conducted between August 2016 and July 2018. The presence of depression and type D personality and types of coping strategies were measured one month after percutaneous coronary intervention. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify characteristics associated with depression. RESULTS: Generally, the incidence of depression and type D personality was 55.1% and 44.9%, respectively. The incidence of depression in patients with type D and non-type D personality was 72.5% and 40.8%, respectively. Patients with type D personality coped less frequently using a planning strategy but frequently using a responsibility-shifting strategy. A logistic regression analysis showed that the presence of depression was significantly associated with type D personality and inversely associated with a planning strategy. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of depression in patients with CAD was associated with type D personality and a low rate of adoption of a planning strategy. Specific coping interventions in patients with CAD with type D personality may be potential targets for improving coping skills and preventing the development of depression.