The majority of survivors of myocardial infarction experience an array of psychological and emotional reactions. Often, persistent anxiety and depression impair recuperation and rehabilitation. A behaviorally based treatment approach is utilized which consists of a combination of deep muscle relaxation, imagery based desensitization, social reinforcement, stress management, activity scheduling and shaping techniques. The spouse is utilized as a facilitator/co-therapist. This approach is shown to be effective in increasing adaptive function, decreasing depressive symptomology and facilitating return to acceptable premorbid levels of activity.
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