FROM TREATMENT TO MENTAL HEALTH: INVESTIGATING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES IN MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION AND POST-MI DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY – A DESCRIPTIVE-CORRELATIONAL STUDY

Background & Aim: Myocardial infarction is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases, typically caused by thrombotic obstruction.The severity of myocardial damage and its outcomes can vary depending on the location and extent of coronary artery involvement.Consequently, this variability can lead to differing levels of depression and anxiety in these patients.This study aims to explore the relationship between post-myocardial infarction depression and anxiety and the therapeutic approaches used in patients referred to heart centers affiliated with Urmia University of Medical Sciences. Materials & Methods:This descriptive cross-sectional-correlational study was conducted in 2024 in Urmia.Two hundred myocardial infarction patients hospitalized at educational and medical heart centers in Urmia were selected using convenience sampling.Data were collected using a demographic information questionnaire, the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 21.Results: Three months after discharge, the average scores for depression, trait anxiety, and state anxiety were 15.36 12.57, 48.22 15.21, and 48.99 14.64, respectively.The analysis showed no significant differences in depression and anxiety levels across the five different therapeutic approaches (p > 0.05).Additionally, the findings revealed no significant relationship between the therapeutic approaches used and the levels of depression and anxiety in the patients (p > 0.05). Conclusion:Regardless of the treatment method received, MI patients experience high levels of anxiety and depression following cardiac infarction.This unfavorable psychological state can directly impact their recovery and quality of life.Therefore, implementing educational and empowerment programs, enhancing self-care practices, forming interdisciplinary teams for continuous assessment and follow-up, and updating treatment protocols are essential considerations for future treatment plans.