Mental health of patients with heart disease: analysis of alexithymia and family social support

The present study was conducted to determine the relationship of alexithymia and family social support with the mental health of patients with cardiac condition. The correlational method was used in the study. 200 individuals were selected as sample, using consecutive sampling method, from patients with cardiac condition who visited Imam Ali Hospital in Kermanshah, Iran during March and April 2014. The data collection instruments were the Mental Health Inventory (GHQ-28), Alexithymia (TAS_20) and Perceived Social Support from Family (PSS-Fa). The data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and stepwise regression analysis. The results of the study showed that there was a positive association of alexithymia, the components of difficulty identifying feelings (DIF) and difficulty describing feelings (DDF) with mental health. Negative correlation was obtained between family social support and mental health. The results of the regression analysis showed that DIF and family social support had the ability to predict mental health. Considering the results, in treatment of cardiac diseases, it is recommended to provide psychological interventions, especially paying attention to the patients’ emotions and their family’s social support, in addition to doing medical actions.