Management after Myocardial Infarction: A Controlled Trial of the Effect of Group Psychotherapy

Abstract

A controlled clinical trial was conducted to determine the feasibility of offering group psychotherapy to post-myocardial infarction patients for one year, and to test its effects upon prognosis. Shortly after discharge from a coronary care unit, 118 patients were approximately equally allocated to therapy and control groups. The acceptance, the average attendance at the weekly sessions, and the drop-out rates per cent were 84, 69 and 15.5 respectively. No statistically significant changes were shown in the physiological and psychological factors. Favorable effects were suggested by survival experience, changes in social alienation, length of hospital stay and the patients' reported attitudes toward this form of therapy.

Neuroticism, Illness Behaviour and Coronary Heart Disease

“…There is some evidence (Ibrahim et al, 1974;Rahe et al, 1975) to suggest that modification of emotional or affective responses to CHD may be beneficial to the long-term health of the patient. The results of this study suggest the association between neuroticism and illness behaviour to be strongest in this area.…”

Study on Psychosocial Stressors and Psychiatry Morbidity in Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Quantitative Study

“…23 Ibrahim et al (1974). 24 reported the reduction of coronary heart disease by 65% in one year follow up and subsequent studies by Rahe et al (1979). 25 Ruberman et al (1984).…”

“…Lundberg et al (1975) were unable to distinguish between patients with coronary heart disease and controls on the basis of a life change index, but the use of an index based on the event to which subjects personally rated items in a life event inventory. 23 Ibrahim et al (1974). 24 reported the reduction of coronary heart disease by 65% in one year follow up and subsequent studies by Rahe et al (1979).…”

Cardiac rehabilitation of older patients

“…Psychologically-based cardiac rehabilitation developed at much the same time as, but mostly independently of, exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation. 17,18 Continuity of care and secondary prevention Providing continuity of care and facilitating the transfer of care from acute hospital to general practitioner depends to some extent on the health care system. Wherever offered, in rehabilitation or convalescent hospital, outpatients, general practice or in community centres, a formal programme of cardiac rehabilitation provides a stepping stone for patients between acute hospital and primary care.…”

“…12,13,17,18 In the following decades, increasing use of CABG as a treatment for patients with chronic stable angina led to inclusion of these patients in many cardiac rehabilitation programmes. Through the 1980s, CABG patients comprised the second-largest defined group.…”