The study will include 20 patients. The MI-specific CBT lasts for 8 weeks and is delivered face-to-face via a secure digital video solution (to minimize cancelled sessions because of the COVID-19 pandemic) or at the Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset cardiac research unit, by licensed psychologists with expertise in CBT for cardiac disease. During treatment, the psychologists will have direct access to a cardiologist assigned to the project and treatments are conducted in close interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure patient safety.
Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading cause s of health loss globally, representing a large proportion of general disability. Anxiety and depression occur in 20-30 percent of patients following MI and have been identified as risk factors for recurrent adverse cardiac event. The purpose of our this study is to develop and evaluate a disease specific cognitive behavioral therapy (C BT) protocol to reduce cardia anxiety, depression, increase physical inactivity and quality of life (Q oL) in patients following MI.