Find in Library

Background: The association between depressive symptoms and adverse outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) is well recognized. However, few studies address the patient's perception of his physical and mental condition after a myocardial infarction (MI). The present study was designed to explore the subjective aspects of the psychological conditions in post-MI patients. Method and Results: A subject population of 8 male patients (age 59±5), selected by saturation sampling, with an average of 6 months post-MI, were submitted to an individual semi-structured interview and afterwards participated in 12 psychodynamic group sessions. Conclusion: There was a predominant non-acceptance of MI due to emotional barriers and this attitude has the potential to influence negatively the adherence to a comprehensive cardiovascular treatment, including pharmacological intervention for depression