Introduction
The 2025 ESC Clinical Consensus Statement on Mental Health and Cardiovascular Disease emphasizes the need for systematic screening of psychological distress in cardiovascular patients and for closer collaboration between cardiology and mental health services. In line with these recommendations, a structured psychocardiological screening program is currently being established at the cardiology clinic of the University Medical Center Mainz. The initiative aims to identify depressive and anxiety symptoms, stress, coping, and related psychosocial factors in a systematic and sustainable way.
Methods
The screening program invites all cardiology patients to complete a standardized questionnaire comprising the PHQ-9, GAD-7, Jenkins Sleep Scale, Brief Resilient Coping Scale, and items assessing stress, social support, loneliness, life satisfaction, and substance use. Data are collected anonymously. Analyses will focus on prevalence of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and significant perceived stress and the need for psychological and psychocardiological support as well as associations with demographic and disease-related variables.
Results
Assessment is ongoing. At the time of the DGK Congress 2026, first data on feasibility, prevalence of psychological distress, and demand for psychological support will be available. Based on clinical experience and existing evidence, a high level of psychosocial disease burden is expected, particularly among patients with heart failure, a history of myocardial infarction, and long-standing atrial fibrillation.
Conclusion
The Mainz concept provides a structured framework for integrating mental health assessment into cardiology care.
