Psychocardiology is a relatively new field of activity that deals with the reciprocal relationship between heart disease and mental well-being. On the one hand, heart disease can have an impact on mental well-being and be accompanied by depression, for example.

On the other hand, mental well-being can have an impact on heart health and, for example, lead to an increase in the symptoms of heart disease. Serious physical illnesses represent an exceptional situation for every patient, which can bring about changes in life, cause stress and thus have an impact on mental balance. If surgery is necessary, this can trigger additional emotional stress.

Due to the close interplay between mental and physical well-being, it is important not to view a heart condition in isolation, but to perceive the person as a unity of body, mind and soul with individual needs. In nursing, this approach is called "patient-centred care". In the field of psychocardiology, doctors, psychologists and nursing staff with different specialisms work closely together to ensure holistic care specifically in the area of heart disease.

At the DHZC, we care for patients with heart disease who are undergoing inpatient or outpatient treatment with us. The focus of our work is on the psychocardiological care of transplant patients and patients with ventricular assist devices.

The support of patients at the Department of Congenital Heart Desease - Pediatric Cardiology is another important focus. Close dialogue within the treatment team is important here in order to ensure the high quality of our care.

We conduct preparatory discussions with patients in the run-up to major operations, accompany patients after operations and offer dialogue contacts for outpatient appointments. We also offer relatives the opportunity to have a conversation with a member of our team. We take a needs-orientated approach and offer tailored care in line with the latest scientific findings and care standards. The support ranges from a brief, supportive discussion before a planned operation to regular contact during the entire stay.

The topics covered are very diverse. Fears and depression in connection with the illness or a delayed recovery are often discussed. We also support patients in preparing for a rehabilitation programme or returning to everyday life.

• Psychosocial evaluation of patients scheduled for heart, lung or heart-lung transplantation and / or for implantation of a ventricular assist device

• Psychosocial support for patients in the run-up to an operation (waiting time) and during the post-operative inpatient course

• Parent and family support

• Initiating further diagnostics and treatment, e.g. by a registered psychological psychotherapist

• Restructuring the living environment in collaboration with social services (e.g. integration into supported housing projects)

• Consultancy work at the Paulinenkrankenhaus

• Inhouse training and further education events 

The further development of the field of psychocardiology is important to us, which is why we conduct scientific studies.
The focus here is on clinical studies to investigate the complex relationships between mental and physical well-being.

We also conduct studies on the effectiveness of various clinical care and treatment approaches.

• As part of the Berlin Heart Failure Network, we are involved in the advanced training course for specialised heart failure assistance

• We supervise medical doctoral students at the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin

• We are involved in various teaching formats of the model degree programme in Human Medicine at Charité

Many patients with heart disease feel emotionally burdened and notice, for example, anxiety or a sad mood.

If necessary, you can have a counselling session with a member of staff from the psychocardiology department. During an inpatient stay, please contact the doctors or nurses treating you on the ward or the doctors or nurses of your relative. They will then pass the information on to us accordingly.

If you are receiving outpatient treatment at the DHZC, please contact the doctor treating you.