The role of coping, anxiety, and stress in depression post-acute coronary syndrome

Abstract

Depressive symptoms are common and can affect prognosis following acute coronary syndromes (ACS). This study examined the psychological factors, coping, anxiety, and perceived stress associated with depression following ACS. Psychological variables were assessed in 15 females and 66 males (M = 57 years, SD = 12). Repeated measures at 2, 12, and 24 weeks post-ACS compared depression, anxiety, perceived stress, and coping resources as determined by the Cardiac Depression Scale, Beck Depression Inventory-II, State Trait Anxiety Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale, and Coping Resources Inventory. Depression, anxiety, and perceived stress remained high in the depressed group across time. Coping scores at 2 weeks post-ACS predicted depression scores at 24 weeks post-ACS. It appears that trait anxiety and coping resources are related to depressive symptoms post-ACS.

Keywords:

• Myocardial infarction
• depression
• anxiety
• coping
• acute coronary syndrome

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Austin Health and the Northern Hospital without whose permission this study was not possible. We would also like to sincerely thank the coronary care unit nursing staff for their support. Finally, we gratefully acknowledge Professor Bruce Jackson, Northern Hospital, for his assistance with the research protocol.