Anxiety and Depression in the Patients Who Suffer from Myocardial Infarction During the Hospitalization and after Discharge from Coronary Care Units of Tabriz teaching centers of Medical Sciences University, 2003-2004.

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Mental problems including anxiety and depression may be the major problem of patients with coronary heart diseases and those who are hospitalized in coronary care units. The high prevalence of anxiety and depression can delay the recovery after coronary heart diseases, anxiety and depression are also common after discharge. The purpose of this study was to identify and compare the level of anxiety and depression in the patients suffering from myocardial infarction during the hospitalization and after discharge from coronary care units. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive –comparative study. Data collecting was done by using Zung's Self Rating Anxiety Scale and Beck Depression Inventory. These tests have been administered through interview. Two hundred patients were selected for this study by convenience sampling. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Results: The results showed that the means for anxiety during hospitalization and after discharge were respectively 43.38 and there was a significant difference between these two means (p<0.001). The means for depression during hospitalization and after discharge were respectively 5.04 and 5.29, but this difference was not statistically significant. Discussion: The results of this study indicated that it is necessary to pay more attention to the psychological reactions of the patients who suffer from myocardial infarction so that measures could be taken to reduce such reactions helping patients to adapt themselves to the new condition easily.