Comparison of the effect of eye movement desensitization reprocessing and cognitive behavioral therapy on anxiety in patients with myocardial infarction

Abstract

Background and objectivesAnxiety is the most common response to myocardial infarction (MI). The objective of the study is to compare the effect of eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on anxiety in patients with myocardial infarction. MethodsIn this clinical trial, 90 eligible patients suffering from MI were selected using the convenience sampling method and randomly assigned to two intervention groups and one control group. The first intervention group attended eight 1-h EMDR sessions in a tranquil environment in a hospital. The second intervention group attended ten 90-min CBT sessions under an identical condition. The control group, on which no intervention was made, merely received prescribed medication by a physician (Oxazepam 10mg) at 10:00 P.M. on a nightly basis. The mean anxiety was measured for all three groups before and after intervention through the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Data were analyzed using SPSS v.20, and such statistical tests and the chi-squared, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) post hoc test. P values are significant at P<0.05. ResultsResults pointed to a significant statistical difference between the intervention and control groups in terms of the mean anxiety score differences (P<0.001). ConclusionBoth EMDR and CBT reduced anxiety levels in patients with MI, with the former being the more effective one.