Efficacy of MBSR program in treating depression, anxiety and perceived stress in coronary heart disease patients

Pages:91-95
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)

During the last few decades substantial research has been directed toward identifying factors that contribute to the etiology and progression of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD). Now there are mounting of evidence that have shown clearly that CHD is positively associated with psychological risk factors, especially depression, anxiety, and stress. Presence of these factors found to be having profound impact on morbidity and mortality in cardiac patients. Hence, managing these associated psychiatric problems is essential to improve the physical and mental condition of this vulnerable population. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is an established program shown to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression associated with physical conditions. The purpose of this study was to implement an MBSR intervention on CHD patients and measure its impact on the psychological distress factors (depression, anxiety, and perceived stress) by comparing with a control group, in Indian setting. Socio-demographic Datasheet, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) were administered to a total of 50 male participants. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS-17.0. In this study, it was found that all the three variables: Depression, Anxiety and Perceived Stress are preponderant in patients suffering from CHD patients’ pre intervention level and reduced significantly post intervention level. These changes were present only in the experimental group whereas control group showed no significant changes. The results clearly show that MBSR is effectively reduced depression, anxiety, perceived stress in CHD patients. It is considered essential to focus on psychological factors while managing CHD. The present study could thus be considered to be an important contribution in this direction. The recognition of psychosocial problems in CHD patients, in our country, as well as an attempt to manage these problems can also said to be an important contribution. This study has shown that psychological management can be an effective adjunct to medical care and use of psychological management thus adds to a comprehensive system of care.