Mindful Healing: Tackling Medically Induced Ptsd In Heart Attack Survivors
Heart attacks are life-altering, but a specific type, known as spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), predominantly affects women under 50. These women, often healthy and unsuspecting, face an unexpected cardiac crisis that can lead to medically induced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This PTSD results from sudden, severe medical events, explains Christina Luberto, a clinical health psychologist at Mass General Hospital/Harvard Medical School.
Luberto, who heads the Mindful Living Center, focuses on integrating psychological services into cardiovascular care for women. The center is a pioneering initiative that addresses the fear of recurrence among SCAD survivors. “They’re terrified by the uncertainty and possibility that it is going to happen again,” she shares.
Unlike PTSD from external events, medically induced PTSD traps individuals in a cycle of worry, with their own bodies as the source of fear. This can lead to avoidance of crucial health activities like exercise, which ironically could aid in their recovery. Luberto notes, “It’s a vicious cycle. Survivors are constantly questioning their physical sensations, leading to increased anxiety.”
To combat this, the Mindful Living Center employs an adapted Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, a technique grounded in Luberto’s NIH-funded research. This method encourages patients to engage with their bodies through mindfulness meditation, fostering a non-judgmental awareness of physical sensations. The results are promising: 90% of participants report improved emotional health, and 75% see better cardiac health outcomes.
The program, supported by leaders like Amy Sarma and Nandita Scott, is a testament to the profound connection between mental health and cardiovascular outcomes. The center’s success underscores the need for trauma-informed care that includes choice, transparency, and cultural considerations, as recommended by Luberto.
Research continues to explore therapies like traditional cognitive behavioral therapy and written exposure therapy, which shows promise with its lower dropout rates. As Luberto suggests, screening for PTSD in SCAD patients is crucial, and compassionate care during hospitalization might help mitigate risks. The Mindful Living Center’s work is a beacon of hope for those grappling with the aftermath of medically induced PTSD.