Posttraumatic stress disorder and posttraumatic cognitions in patients with myocardial infarction

Objective: Myocardial infarction is a life-threatening condition that occurs unexpectedly and can cause posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and predictors of PTSD symptoms for patients with myocardial infarction and to investigate the relationship between posttraumatic cognitions and PTSD symptoms. Method: This study included 152 patients with a history of myocardial infarction. The patients were administered the Impact of Event Scale to assess PTSD symptoms, the Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory for evaluating negative cognitions about the self and world after the traumatic event, and the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale for anxiety and depression symptoms. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with PTSD symptoms. Results: Twenty-two (14,5%) patients had clinically significant PTSD symptoms. Having clinically significant PTSD symptoms was associated with the intensity of negative posttraumatic cognitions (negative cognitions about self p=0.010, negative cognitions about the world p<0.001), previous history of mental illness (p=0.028), the severity of pain during an acute myocardial infarction (p=0.038), and the severity of fear of death (p=0.047), which are subjective severity indicators of a heart attack. Conclusion: In patients with myocardial infarction, close monitoring of high-risk individuals in terms of PTSD symptoms and treatment of those with PTSD may be beneficial in preventing the negative effects of PTSD symptoms on the individuals and the course of the heart attack.