The psychodynamic impact of coronary bypass surgery.
Twenty-one individuals underwent extensive psychological evaluation before, and four months after, coronary bypass surgery, that examined: defensive mechanisms; fantasies and distortions; subjective meaning of the procedure; and transference and projections. Patients showed a significant improvement in their physical condition and indicated vigorous psychodynamic activity. Both before and after surgery many patients: a) used denial; b) misconceived the procedure; c) developed a subjective explanation of etiology; d) mourned; and e) revered their surgeon. Following surgery, many patients: a) rationalized their decision; b) reviewed their life and changed priorities (valuing human closeness, devaluing work); and c) recognized their mortality (engendering a renewed interest in life and/or rage).
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000523:psychology*; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D003717:Denial, Psychological; D005201:Fantasy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010552:Personality Assessment; D010684:Philosophy; D011908:Rationalization; D014167:Transference, Psychology