Conclusions We found that psychological intervention  improved psychological symptoms and reduced cardiac mortality for people with CHD .
However , there remains considerable uncertainty regarding the magnitude of these effects and the specific techniques most likely to benefit people with different presentations of CHD
Background Although psychological interventions are recommended for the management of coronary heart disease ( CHD ) , there remains considerable uncertainty regarding their effectiveness .
An integrated secondary prevention group programme reduces depression in cardiac patients
Objective Depression is common following an acute cardiac event and can occur at a time when behaviour change is strongly recommended to reduce the risk of further cardiovascular events . The ‘ Beating Heart Problems ’ programme was design ed to support cardiac patients in behaviour change and mood management . Methods The programme was based on cognitive behaviour therapy and motivational interviewing . A r and omized controlled trial ( RCT ) comparing the 8-week group programme with usual care was undertaken between 2007 and 2010 . All patients attended a hospital-based clinic for assessment of physiological risk factors at baseline ( 6 weeks after their acute event ) , and at 4- and 12-month follow up . Psychological and behavioural indicators were assessed by self-report question naires . Of the 275 patients enrolled into the RCT , 42 ( 15 % ) had Beck Depression Inventory-II scores > 13 at baseline . Treatment and control group comparisons were undertaken for this subgroup , using growth curve modelling and testing for group differences over time in psychological , physiological , health behaviour , and self-efficacy measures . Results Significantly greater improvements ( p < 0.01 ) in depression symptoms and self-rated health were reported for the intervention group , as well as significantly larger gains in confidence in managing depression ( p < 0.05 ) and anger ( p < 0.01 ) . Trends ( 0.05 < p < 0.10 ) for larger treatment group improvements were also seen for anxiety symptoms and confidence in managing anxiety . Conclusion A group secondary -prevention programme that integrates behavioural and mood management strategies leads to decreased depression , increased confidence , and improved health perceptions in depressed cardiac patients
Conclusions We found that psychological intervention  improved psychological symptoms and reduced cardiac mortality for people with CHD .
However , there remains considerable uncertainty regarding the magnitude of these effects and the specific techniques most likely to benefit people with different presentations of CHD
Background Although psychological interventions are recommended for the management of coronary heart disease ( CHD ) , there remains considerable uncertainty regarding their effectiveness .