Management of psychologic responses to myocardial infarction

The psychologic responses of denial, anxiety, and depression occur in a natural, predictable sequence in patients suffering acute myocardial infarction. Therapeutic interventions are possible to smooth the patient's passage through these psychologic stages: cognitive structuring, environmental manipulation, relaxation exercises, anticipation, encouragement, physical conditioning and activity, and group interactions. Multidisciplinary cooperation in the psychologic support of patients after myocardial infarction is stressed.