Advancements in Understanding the Psychology of Living with a CHD

For decades the medical profession was engrossed in finding a way to help babies born with congenital heart defects to survive infancy and early childhood. It seemed relatively rare for babies born with complex congenital heart defects to become adults. Now there are more adults alive with congenital heart defects than infants being born with such birth defects. Therefore, a great deal of the focus of the medical field has shifted from that of "survival" to "quality of life." How can those in the medical field help Heart Warriors have a great quality of life? What resources are available for Heart Warriors? What role does anxiety and depression play in the world of a Heart Warrior? Is it common for adult Heart Warriors to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder? If so, who can help them? Today's Guest is Adrienne Kovacs, Ph.D., who works at the Knight Cardiovascular Institute at Oregon Health & Science University where she established and is the director of the Behavioral Cardiovascular Program. She will answer the questions posted above and much, much more!