Efficacy of cognitive behavior therapy on perceived stress and health complaints in coronary heart disease patients

Pages:84-88
Dharmender Kumar Nehra (Clinical Psychologist, State Institute of Mental Health, PGIMS, Rohtak)
NovRattan Sharma and Sheetal Nehra (Department of Psychology, M.D.U. Rohtak)
Pradeep Kumar (Psychiatric Social Worker, State Institute of Mental Health, PGIMS, Rohtak)

Emergence of chronic and life-threatening illness such as Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) has serious consequences for subsequent health and wealth. It is well documented in the world literature that patient with chronic illness are more likely to develop psychiatric illness than their healthy counterparts. Present study aimed to emphasis to a better understanding of the role of psychological interventions in CHD patients. It was analyzed whether a combined intervention of medical treatment along with psychological intervention affects the psychosocial risk factors (Perceived Stress and Health Complaints) in male cardiac patients. In this study, 50 individuals with the diagnosis of CHD, age ranged from 25 to 55 years was selected. Socio-demographic data sheet, Perceived Stress Scale and Health Complaints Scale were used for the assessment. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups (Treatment As Usual (N=25) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (N=25) after completing the measures. We use these data to explore the efficacy of Cognitive Behavior Therapy on reducing the perceived stress and health complaints in CHD patients. Analyses indicated that psychological intervention (CBT) has positive effect in reducing Perceived Stress and Health Complaints in CHD patients. These findings support that patients with CHD (who are more inclined toward developing psychological risk factors) can be helped with psychological intervention. That may plays an important role in develop healthy lifestyle.