EMOTIONAL DISTRESS AMONG MALES WITH SYNDROME-X

The present study examined traditional risk factors and various indice s of emotional distress in males with positive angiograms (N = 122), ' 'syndrome X'' males with negative or nominal results on angiogram (N = 53), and age- and socioeconomic status-matched males with no manifest history of atherosclerotic disease (N = 56). Syndrome X patients repo rted more depression on the Ketterer Stress Symptom Frequency Checklis t (KSSFC) than positive angiographic patients. And compared with healt hy controls, they were more likely to be perceived by a spouse/friend as depressed and anxious on the KSSFC, scored higher on the Framingham Type A Scale, and reported more unprovoked nocturnal awakening. Syndr ome X patients generally appear to be similar to patients with positiv e angiograms with regard to traditional risk factor history but are mo re distressed than healthy controls. This becomes most evident when de nial is circumvented by discussion with significant others or inquirie s are ''framed'' appropriately.