Document Type : Original Article(s)

Authors

• Alireza Yousefy ¹
• Zohreh Khayyam-Nekouei ²
• Masoumeh Sadeghi ³
• Seyyed Ahamad Ahmadi ⁴
• Hamidreza Ruhafza ⁵
• Katayoon Rabiei ⁶
• Seyyed Ahmadreza Khayyam-Nekouei ⁷

¹ Ph.D .Associate Professor, Medical Education Research Center, Isfahan Univesity of Medical Sciences; Isfahan .

² M.A. Research Assistant, Educational Sciences and Psychology School, Khorasgan Islamic Azad University, Iran.

³ MD. Assistant Professor of Cardiology, Head of CVD in Woman Research Unit, ICRC, Iran.

⁴ PhD, Associate Professor, Educational Sciences and Psychology School, Isfahan University, Iran.

⁵ MD, Psychiatrist, Mental Health Research Unit, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center (ICRC), Iran.

⁶ MD, Rehabilitation Department, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center (ICRC), Iran.

⁷ MD, Cardiologist, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran.

Abstract

  Abstract INTRODUCTION: 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. methods: 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 (ICRC) 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 Mc new 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. results: 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. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend that methods for anxiety reduction and improvement of quality of life be taught to CAD patients via cognitive-behavioral therapy programs.     Keywords: Cognitive-behavioral therapy, anxiety, quality of life, cardiovascular disease.