Psychiatric disorders, rumination, and metacognitions in patients with type D personality and coronary heart disease

Little is known regarding the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in patients with both coronary heart disease (CHD) and type D personality, and whether these patients may benefit from psychotherapy that modifies metacognitive beliefs implicated in disorder maintenance. This study explored prevalence rates among these patients and associations between type D characteristics, rumination and metacognitions.

Forty-seven consecutive patients with CHD who scored positive for type D personality were included in this pre-planned study. Participants underwent structured clinical interviews for mental and personality disorders and completed questionnaires assessing rumination and metacognitions.

Mean age was 53.8 (SD 8.1) years and 21.3% were female. At least one mood disorder or anxiety disorder was found in 70.2% and 61.7% of the patients. The most common disorders were major depressive disorder (59.6%), social phobia (40.4%), and generalized anxiety disorder (29.8%). At least one personality disorder was detected in 42.6%. Only 21% reported ongoing treatment with psychotropic medication whereas none had psychotherapy. Metacognitions and rumination were significantly associated with negative affectivity (0.53-0.72, p < .001) but not social inhibition.

Mood and anxiety disorders were highly prevalent and relatively untreated among these patients. Future studies should test the metacognitive model for type D personality.