This systematic review examines the prevalence and persistence of depression in patients hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The review includes studies published since 1980 that used standardized interviews or validated questionnaires to assess depression. Key findings include: - **Prevalence of Depression**: Major depression was identified in 19.8% of patients using structured interviews (N=10,785, 8 studies). The prevalence of significant depressive symptoms based on different scales was 31.1% (Beck Depression Inventory score ≥ 10, N=2,273, 6 studies), 15.5% (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score ≥ 8%, N=863, 4 studies), and 7.3% (HADS score ≥ 11%, N=830, 4 studies). - **Persistence of Depression**: A significant proportion of patients continued to be depressed in the year after discharge, but limited studies and variable follow-up times precluded specifying prevalence rates at given time points. - **Assessment Methods**: The prevalence of depression varied depending on the assessment method, likely reflecting the treatment of somatic symptoms. Structured clinical interviews identified a higher prevalence of major depression compared to validated questionnaires, which identified more patients with potentially significant depressive symptoms. The review highlights the importance of screening for depression in AMI patients, suggesting that validated questionnaires like the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) can be effective initial screening tools, followed by structured clinical interviews for those who screen positive. The findings also emphasize the need for further research to compare the performance of different assessment methods and to explore the long-term impact of depression on patient outcomes.This systematic review examines the prevalence and persistence of depression in patients hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The review includes studies published since 1980 that used standardized interviews or validated questionnaires to assess depression. Key findings include: - **Prevalence of Depression**: Major depression was identified in 19.8% of patients using structured interviews (N=10,785, 8 studies). The prevalence of significant depressive symptoms based on different scales was 31.1% (Beck Depression Inventory score ≥ 10, N=2,273, 6 studies), 15.5% (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score ≥ 8%, N=863, 4 studies), and 7.3% (HADS score ≥ 11%, N=830, 4 studies). - **Persistence of Depression**: A significant proportion of patients continued to be depressed in the year after discharge, but limited studies and variable follow-up times precluded specifying prevalence rates at given time points. - **Assessment Methods**: The prevalence of depression varied depending on the assessment method, likely reflecting the treatment of somatic symptoms. Structured clinical interviews identified a higher prevalence of major depression compared to validated questionnaires, which identified more patients with potentially significant depressive symptoms. The review highlights the importance of screening for depression in AMI patients, suggesting that validated questionnaires like the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) can be effective initial screening tools, followed by structured clinical interviews for those who screen positive. The findings also emphasize the need for further research to compare the performance of different assessment methods and to explore the long-term impact of depression on patient outcomes.