MYOCARDIAL-INFARCTION AND POSTTRAUMATIC-STRESS-DISORDER

Studies concerning the development of a post-traumatic stress disorder related to severe illness are scarce. The confrontation with myocardi al infarction may be a very stressful event. Twenty-three patients con secutively admitted for first myocardial infarction were studied. Afte r two years 1 of 18 survivors had been suffering from a partial post-t raumatic stress disorder. Similarities and differences in the psycholo gical reactions following potential traumatic events are discussed.