Cognitive behavioral therapy for depression improves pain and perceived control in cardiac surgery patients. (1st October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Doering, Lynn V; McGuire, Anthony; Eastwood, Jo-Ann; Chen, Belinda; Bodán, Rebecca C; Czer, Lawrence S; Irwin, Michael R
• Is Part Of: European journal of cardiovascular nursing. Volume 15:Number 6(2016)
• Page Start: 417
• Page End: 424
• Publication Date: 2016-10-01
• Subjects: Cardiovascular disease -- depression -- pain -- cognitive behavioral therapy; Cardiovascular system -- Diseases -- Nursing -- Periodicals; Cardiovascular Diseases -- nursing -- Periodicals; Cardiology -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Periodicals; Vascular Diseases -- Periodicals; 610.7369105
• DOI: 10.1177/1474515115592292
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1474-5151

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Depression after cardiac surgery (CS) is associated with increased pain and decreased sleep quality. While cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) aimed at depression is effective in relieving depressive symptoms after cardiac surgery, little is known about its ability to ameliorate other common postoperative problems that affect recovery and quality of life. Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of CBT for depression on pain severity, pain interference, sleep, and perceived control in patients recovering from CS. Methods: Depressed patients recovering from CS were randomized to receive either eight weeks of CBT or usual care. At baseline and post-intervention, patients completed questionnaires for depressive symptoms, pain, sleep, and perceived control. Group comparisons were conducted using t -tests or chi square analysis. Repeated measures analysis was used to assess the effect of the intervention in changes over time. Results: The sample ( n =53) included 16.9% women and had a mean age of 67.8±9.2 years. CBT for depression increased perceived control ( p <0.001) and decreased pain interference ( p =0.02) and pain severity ( p =0.03). Group effects remained significant ( p <0.05) for perceived control and pain interference and a trend was observed for pain severity ( p <0.10) after controlling for variables that differed at baseline. There were no group differences in sleep disturbance over time. Conclusions: A depression-focused CBT intervention yields benefits in other common postoperative problems, specifically improved perceived control and decreased pain in depressed cardiac surgery patients.