1. Psychocardiology
Psychocardiology is a psychological field which refers to the role of clinical psychology in the cardiac settings, and it is related to the biopsychosocial factors which emerge in the onset, the course, and the rehabilitation of a heart disease
In cardiac setting, psychologists have to deal with behavioral, emotional, and relational problems which affect patients and often also their family. They should consider several areas such as symptomatology, physical and psychological functionality, disease perception/processing, resource, coping, self-efficacy, familiar and social support, motivation and medical adherence, and expectations
The role of the psychologist in cardiac settings changes depending on the selected clinical approach. The most common clinical approaches are patient-focused therapy, positive psychology, cognitive behavioral therapy, and systemic family therapy
2. Psychological issues in acquired and congenital heart disease
Several psychosocial factors such as distress, anxiety, type A and type D trait personality, depression, loneliness, worries, and low social support may influence acquired cardiac disease morbidity and prognosis
Both direct (biological) and indirect (behavioral) mediating processes may explain the effects of psychological issues on cardiac disease
Congenital heart disease patients face a variety of biopsychosocial issues that may lead to premature mortality; neurocognitive deficits; body image concerns; physical, interpersonal relationship, and cognitive limitations; highest risk for emotional and behavioral problems; eating and sleep disorders; low self-esteem; heart-focused anxiety; and lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL)
Parents of children with congenital heart disease, especially mothers, experience fear, anxiety, depression, hopelessness, distress, overprotection, and marital tension. Parents’ well-being might act as a protective factor against mental disorders for both parents and children
3. Psychological interventions for acquired and congenital heart disease
Evidence suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most effective interventions for cardiac patients, especially with anxiety and depression. Also Rogerian client-centered counseling and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) may be beneficial for both acquired and congenital cardiac disease patients
ICT technologies may allow psychologist to assess and support cardiac patients in real life and in a continuous way
The modern paradigm of care for children with congenital heart disease requires a multidisciplinary approach to care that involves families of ConHD child. Family Enrichment treatments and Congenital Heart Disease Intervention Programme (CHIP) are the most common interventions for ConHD families
Psychologists play a key role in helping the medical team to support patients and their families in the onset, the course, and the rehabilitation of a heart disease
Further research should continue to investigate the psychocardiology field to find the more appropriate solutions and interventions in order to facilitate a good recovery and improve the general health status of patients.
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