| Abstract: | Out of 36 acute myocardial infraction patients, 17 were classified as deniers and 19 as hnon-deniers; all were scored for anxiety, depression and denial at six intervals (days 1–2, 3–4, 5–7, 8–10, 11–14, 15–25) during their hospital stay. Anxiety scores, high for both gropus on the first two days, declined more rapidly for deniers. The latter were rated significantly less anxious bu days 3–4, while the non-deniers' level of anxiety remained elevated until days 5–7. Depression scores dropped for deniers on days 5–7; non-deniers showed no such change. Denial scores dropped significantly in both groups but occured sooner for non-deniers (days 8–10) than for deniers (days 11–14). The decline of denial followed a fall in anxiety scores; however, denial continued to operate after this fall three times longer for the denier. Non-deniers appeared to shed their fears more slowly and drop their guard more quickly than deniers. As discharge approached trajectories of both anxiety and depression scores appeared on the rise. This was countered in the denier by a notable mobilization of denial as evidenced by a rise in denial scores. The non-deniers failed to respond in this fashion. |
