Psychological factors and vulnerability to psychiatric morbidity after myocardial infarction

A sample of 97 males suffering from myocardial infarction was studied in order to determine the influence of psychological variables and emotional states on psychopathology displayed by patients in the course of their cardiological recovery. Discriminant analysis revealed that depression in the coronary unit and nonuse of problem-solving strategies were the most sensitive variables to correctly classify psychiatric and nonpsychiatric cases (76.6% of the total sample). Multiple regression analysis of the psychological variables and emotional states showed that severity of psychopathology was directly related to early depressive reaction and use of avoidant strategies. The prevalence of psychiatric disorders was 55.5%, with depression (RDC) being the most frequent diagnosis (59.4%), followed by 'irritable dysphoria' (27%) and anxiety disorders (RDC; 21.6%).