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Myocardial infarction and post-traumatic stress disorder
R C van Driel1, W Op den Velde
1Department of Psychiatry, St. Lucas Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Journal of Traumatic Stress
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Severe illness, like myocardial infarction, can cause psychological distress. This study found that some patients develop post-traumatic stress disorder after a heart attack, highlighting the need for mental health support.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychology
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) development following severe illness is under-researched.
- Myocardial infarction (MI) represents a significant life-threatening event with potential psychological sequelae.
- Understanding psychological reactions to critical illness is crucial for patient recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder in patients following a first myocardial infarction.
- To explore the psychological impact of severe cardiac events.
- To compare psychological responses to MI with other traumatic events.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 23 patients consecutively admitted for their first myocardial infarction.
- Psychological assessment conducted two years post-discharge.
- Evaluation focused on the development of partial post-traumatic stress disorder.
Main Results:
- One out of 18 survivors (11.1%) developed partial post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) two years after their myocardial infarction.
- The study identified specific psychological reactions in patients post-MI.
- The findings suggest MI can be a traumatic stressor.
Conclusions:
- A significant minority of myocardial infarction survivors may experience post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Psychological support is essential for patients recovering from severe cardiac events.
- Further research is needed to understand the long-term psychological impact of myocardial infarction.