Abstract

Aim. This study examines the effect of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on depression in male patients with coronary artery disease.

Background. After heart events such as acute myocardial infarction, the patient experiences psychological distress. Approximately 65 percent of anxiety symptoms predict poor quality of life reduce return to work and increase risk of mortality.

Method.This is an experimental study with two groups and three stages. Forty male patients with coronary artery disease were randomly allocated to either control or trial group after they had been detected as having a "Beck depression inventory" score of one standard deviation higher than the mean score. The mean score of depression was also evaluated in both groups, immediately and two months after the intervention experimental group. The data were analyzed by SPSS Version 19 and covariance analysis.

Findings.The results showed a statistically significant difference between groups in terms of depression score, immediately and two months after intervention in experimental group (P<0.0001).

Conclusion.Based on the effect of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on reducing depression in patients with coronary artery disease, it is suggested to implement this method for these patients.