The effect of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing on anxiety in patients with myocardial infarction

Coronary heart disease is the main cause of death and inability in all communities. Anxiety is the most common psychological response to myocardial infarction. Present study was conducted to indentify efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing on the anxiety of patients with myocardial infarction. This study is a clinical trial. Sixty patients with myocardial infarction hospitalized at the cardiac ward of a hospital in Qazvin between 2011-2012 were selected using sampling and were divided by random assignment into experimental and control groups. In order to collect data، demographic and anxiety questionnaires were used. Interventions were subsequently performed in two sessions every other day for 45 to 90 mi and anxiety level of the patients was measured before and after intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics، paired - t-test، t-test، Willcoxon and Chi square. Mean anxiety levels in experimental group were (48. 874. 28) and (7. 372. 42) before and after intervention، respectively; therefore it statistically showed a significant difference (P<0. 001). Mean anxiety level in control group was (49. 105. 13) before intervention and it was (48. 405. 31) after intervention، so it statistically showed a significant difference (P<0. 001). The eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is a newly effective، useful، efficient and non-invasive method for treatment and reducing anxiety in patients with myocardial infarction. Nurses، particularly those who are working in Critical Care Units can use this new and effective method for treatment of anxiety in patients.