Understanding Mental Health in Young People With Heart Defects

This research study is trying to understand how often depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other mental health conditions occur in children and teenagers born with heart defects. Researchers want to learn whether young people with congenital heart defects need more mental health support than other children, and whether simple screening questionnaires can help doctors spot these issues early.

While medical treatments for congenital heart defects have improved greatly over the past 50 years and more children are surviving, research shows that children with these heart conditions may have higher rates of mental health problems. These conditions can seriously affect a child's school performance, friendships, and future wellbeing—but many cases go undetected and untreated.