PT460 Perception of benefits and psychological growth following a cardiac event: relationship with anxiety and depression

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Introduction

Responses to life-threatening health events are varied. Research indicates that some individuals report elevated levels of anxiety and depression up to 12 months after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABGS). Moderate levels of depression have been associated with posttraumatic growth (PTG) in survivors of non-medical life-threatening events. Positive gains such as benefit-finding (BF) and psychological growth have been reported in patients confronting life-threatening illnesses, including cardiac patients. However, there are very few longitudinal studies investigating PTG and none have been conducted in an Australian setting.

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Objectives

The current study investigated the temporal nature of the relationships between anxiety and depression, perception of benefits and psychological growth in cardiac patients 12 and 24 months post-event.

Methods

Participants (ACS n = 210, and CABGS n = 216) were consecutively recruited from three metropolitan hospitals (Melbourne, Australia). Quantitative and qualitative data was collected in hospital, at 12 months (n = 360) by telephone and at 24 months (n = 201) by postal questionnaire.

Results

Modest PTG was reported (M = 42.19, SD = 24.56). However, 25% of participants reported growth in response range moderate to a very great degree (PTG >63). Moderate level of depression in hospital was associated with PTG 24 months post-event, F(2, 178) = 5.66, p = .004. Elevated anxiety at 12 months was associated with growth at 24 months, F(1, 164) = 7.02, p = .009. Anxiety and depression were significantly and highly correlated at all assessments. Participants with elevated anxiety and

Conclusion

Psychological adjustment following a cardiac event is complex. Findings underscore the importance of psychological support in cardiac rehabilitation programs. The results raise the issue of information relating to emotional well-being, over the longer term, being addressed with patients.

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