Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in Post Cardiac Artery Bypass Surgery Patients Co morbid with Depression, Anxiety and its Effect on Quality of Life (QOL)

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the effect of CBT on decreasing anxiety and depression, and improvement of quality of life in post cardiac Artery bypass surgery patients.

Methodology: Sample was randomly selected and divided in to two groups (50 subjects each in experimental and control group). Research tool was HAD- Scale and WHOQOL scale. Study design was comparative and intervention including formal cognitive behavioral therapy weekly sessions and psychometrics tests were applied on both the groups after one week interval. After an initial assessment of participants' anxiety, depression and quality of life the experimental group went under CBT for 8 weekly sessions and control group did not receive any intervention except usual care. Finally, participants' anxiety, depression and quality of life were measured again. Formal approval from hospital ethical committee, written informed consent from participants and basic demographic data were also gathered along with the questionnaire.

Results: Results from the analysis of covariance showed that CBT significantly has improved the anxiety, depression and QOL in experimental group in comparison with control group. Data was represented in Mean (+SD). Demographic and intervention related information was analyzed using chi square tests. Pre to Post comparison of depression and quality of life was done by paired t test. Data was analyzed using MS Excel and SPSS version 16.

Conclusion: CBT can be used as an effective intervention method in cardiac patients with high anxiety or depression level.