Indian Journal of Positive Psychology

Dharmender Kumar Nehra ¹, NovRattan Sharma ², Sheetal Nehra ², Pradeep Kumar ³

Affiliations
1 Clinical Psychologist State Institute of Mental Health, PGIMS, Rohtak, IN
2 Department of Psychology M.D.U. Rohtak, IN
3 Psychiatric Social Worker State Institute of Mental Health, PGIMS, Rohtak, IN

Abstract

Emergence of chrome and life-threatening illness such as Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) has serious consequences for subsequent health and wealth. It is well documented in the world literature that patient with chrome illness are more likely to develop psychiatric illness than their healthy counterparts.Present study aimed to emphasis to a better understanding of the role of psychological interventions in CHD patients. It was analyzed whether a combined intervention of medical treatment along with psychological intervention affects the psychosocial risk factors (Perceived Stress and Health Complaints)in male cardiac patients.In this study,50 individuals with the diagnosis of CHD, age ranged from 25 to 55 years was selected. Socio-demographic data sheet, Perceived Stress Scale and Health Complamts Scale were used for the assessment. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups (Treatment As Usual (N=25) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (N=25) after completing the measures. We use these data to explore the efficacy of Cognitive Behavior Therapy on reducing the perceived stress and health complaints in CHD patients. Analyses indicated that psychological intervention (CBT) has positive effect in reducing Perceived Stress and Health Complamts in CHD patients. These findings support that patients with CHD (who are more inclined toward developing psychological risk factors) can be helped with psychological intervention. That may plays an important role in develop healthy lifestyle.

Keywords

Coronary Heart Disease, Perceived Stress, Health Complaints, Cognitive Behavior Therapy.

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Dharmender Kumar Nehra ¹, NovRattan Sharma ², Sheetal Nehra ², Pradeep Kumar ³

Affiliations
1 Clinical Psychologist State Institute of Mental Health, PGIMS, Rohtak, IN
2 Department of Psychology M.D.U. Rohtak, IN
3 Psychiatric Social Worker State Institute of Mental Health, PGIMS, Rohtak, IN

Abstract

During the last few decades substantial research has been directed toward identifying factors that contribute to the etiology and progression of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD). Now there are mounting of evidence that have shown clearly that CHD is positively associated with psychological risk factors, especially depression, anxiety, and stress. Presence of these factors found to be having profound impact on morbidity and mortality in cardiac patients. Hence, managing these associated psychiatric problems is essential to improve the physical and mental condition of this vulnerable population. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is an established program shown to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression associated with physical conditions. The purpose of this study was to implement an MBSR intervention on CHD patients and measure its impact on the psychological distress factors (depression, anxiety, and perceived stress) by comparing with a control group, in Indian setting. Socio-demographic Datasheet, HospitalAnxiety Depression Scale (HADS) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) were administered to a total of 50 male participants. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS-17.0. In this study, it was found that all the three variables:Depression,Anxiety and Perceived Stress are preponderant in patients suffering from CHD patients' pre intervention level and reduced significantly post intervention level. These changes were present only in the experimental group whereas control group showed no significant changes. The results clearly show that MBSR is effectively reduced depression, anxiety, perceived stress in CHD patients. It is considered essential to focus on psychological factors while managing CHD. The present study could thus be considered to be an important contribution in this direction. The recognition of psychosocial problems in CHD patients, in our country, as well as an attempt to manage these problems can also said to be an important contribution. This study has shown that psychological management can be an effective adjunct to medical care and use of psychological management thus adds to a comprehensive system of care.

Keywords

Coronary Heart Disease, Perceived Stress, Depression, Anxiety, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Program.

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