title: Healing the heart: a randomized pilot study of a spiritual retreat for depression in acute coronary syndrome patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Depression is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in coronary heart disease. Numerous conventional and complementary therapies may address depression. Few involving spirituality have been tested.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a nondenominational spiritual retreat, Medicine for the Earth (MFTE), on depression and other measures of well-being six- to 18-months post acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
  
  
  METHODS
  A randomized controlled pilot study of MFTE, Lifestyle Change Program (LCP), or usual cardiac care (control) was conducted in Southeastern Michigan.
  
  
  METHODS
  ACS patients were recruited via local and national advertising (n = 58 enrolled, 41 completed).
  
  
  METHODS
  The four-day MFTE intervention included guided imagery, meditation, drumming, journal writing, and nature-based activities. The four-day LCP included nutrition education, exercise, and stress management. Both retreat groups received follow-up phone coaching biweekly for three months.
  
  
  METHODS
  Validated self-report scales of depression, spiritual well-being, perceived stress, and hope were collected at baseline, immediately post-retreat, and at three and six months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Depression was not significantly different among groups (P = .21). However, the MFTE group had the highest depression scores at baseline and had significantly lower scores at all postintervention time points (P ≤ .002). Hope significantly improved among MFTE participants, an effect that persisted at three- and six-month follow-up (P = .014). Although several measures showed improvement in all groups by six months, the MFTE group had immediate improvement post-retreat, which was maintained.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This pilot study shows that a nondenominational spiritual retreat, MFTE, can be used to increase hope while reducing depression in patients with ACS.
authors: Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. swarber@umich.edu
authors: Sara L
authors: SL
authors: Warber
authors: Sandra
authors: S
authors: Ingerman
authors: Vera L
authors: VL
authors: Moura
authors: Jenna
authors: J
authors: Wunder
authors: Alyssa
authors: A
authors: Northrop
authors: Brenda W
authors: BW
authors: Gillespie
authors: Kate
authors: K
authors: Durda
authors: Katherine
authors: K
authors: Smith
authors: Katherine S
authors: KS
authors: Rhodes
authors: Melvyn
authors: M
authors: Rubenfire
mesh_terms: D054058:Acute Coronary Syndrome / Q000523:psychology*; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D004032:Diet; D004644:Emotions; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026441:Mind-Body Therapies; D010865:Pilot Projects; D057566:Self Report; D026443:Spiritual Therapies; D029181:Spirituality; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*