[Symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with coronary heart disease: natural course and results of a psychotherapeutic pilot study].
OBJECTIVE
In this pilot study we examined the natural course of depressive and anxiety symptoms in patients with coronary heart disease over a period of 1(1/2) years. Additionally, we examined patients' interest in participation in a group-psychotherapy. The intervention and its effects on symptom reduction were tested in a subgroup of patients.


METHODS
Assessment of anxiety and depression (HADS) in 58 cardiology inpatients at 3 time points (t1 after one year, t2 after 1(1/2) years). N = 9 patients were additionally included in a 6-month psychotherapy intervention and compared to N = 14 untreated patients.


RESULTS
79 % of the patients were interested in beginning a psychotherapy intervention. Without psychotherapeutic treatment, the average psychological strain remained stable over the time of investigation. Intervention-group patients, however, achieved a significant (60 %) reduction in depression and anxiety scores. Implications for the clinical practice and further investigations are discussed.
Merswolken
Melanie
M
Klinik für Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie, Charité, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin. melanie.merswolken@charite.de
Albert
Wolfgang
W
Orth-Gomér
Kristina
K
Pauschinger
Matthias
M
Deter
Hans-Christian
HC
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000523:psychology*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D012803:Sick Role