Myocardial infarction-induced acute stress and post-traumatic stress symptoms: the moderating role of an alexithymia trait - difficulties identifying feelings.

ABSTRACT:

Background

It has been acknowledged that medical life-threatening experiences such as an acute myocardial infarction (MI) often lead to acute stress disorder symptoms (ASS), which in turn can result in the development of post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Previous studies have suggested an association between various traumatic experiences and alexithymia. The association of alexithymia with ASS and PTSS in patients with MI is elusive.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine the association of alexithymia with MI-induced ASS and PTSS in patients at high risk of developing PTSD.

Method

Patients (N = 154) were examined twice, once within 48 hours, and then again three months after acute MI. All patients completed the self-rating Acute Stress Disorder S

SUBMITTER: Ledermann K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7803082 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature