THE EFFECT OF COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL THERAPY IN REDUCING ANXIETY IN HEART DISEASE PATIENTS

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of cognitive-behavioral therapy on anxiety reduction and improvement of quality of life in patients with cardiovascular disease. The statistical population comprised patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) in Isfahan in 2006. Fifty-six CAD patients referring to Chamran Heart Center and Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center were randomly selected and assigned to control and case groups. The case group underwent cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in 8 two-hour structural sessions. Patients in both case and control groups completed Cattel anxiety questionnaire and Macnew life quality questionnaire, which are specific for patients with cardiac disease before, and 2 weeks after therapy. The control group only completed the questionnaires without therapy. Both groups completed another questionnaire, which obtained demographic information. Based on the results, cognitive-behavioral therapy in the case group led to reduced anxiety and improved quality of life (P<0.000). Our findings showed the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy in reducing hidden and manifest anxiety (P<0.000) and improving the quality of life, as well as emotional, physical, and social function (P<0.000) in patients with cardiovascular disease. We recommend that methods for anxiety reduction and improvement of quality of life be taught to CAD patients via cognitive-behavioral therapy programs.