Psychosocial functioning of young adults after surgical correction for congenital heart disease in childhood: a follow-up study

To investigate the long-term psychosocial outcome of congenital heart disease, the emotional, intellectual and social functioning of 288 (young) adult patients was assessed with standardized assessment procedures 9-23 years (mean follow-up interval: 16 years) after surgical correction for congenital heart disease in childhood, and compared with that of reference groups. With respect to emotional functioning, the patients reported significantly fewer feelings of hostility, fewer neurotic complaints and a better self-esteem than reference subjects. Overall, the results concerning social functioning showed favourable outcomes on daily activities (school, employment) and leisure-time activities for (young) adults with congenital heart disease. No significant differences were found between scores of different cardiac diagnostic groups on hostility, neuroticism, self-esteem and leisure-time activities. The possibility whether the 'denial'-mechanism might have contributed to the positive outcomes is discussed.