Cardiac-disease-induced PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe emotional reaction to a concrete stressor such as an atrocity perpetrated by human beings or a natural disaster. In recent years much scientific attention has been devoted to exploring the possibility that illnesses might also be regarded as causes of PTSD. However, much debate still exists in the field with regard to the distinctive ways in which PTSD of these origins might manifest itself among both patients and their caregivers. In her lecture, Professor Vilchinsky will suggest that cardiac–disease-induced PTSD (CDI-PTSD) is indeed a valid diagnostic entity; that it effects both patients and caregivers; and that dyadic dynamics among couples are critical for understanding CDI-PTSD emergence and stability overtime. She will start by presenting a thorough literature review of CDI-PTSD, integrating the existing knowledge regarding CDI-PTSD’s prevalence, risk factors, and psychological and physiological consequences. Next, she will show results of qualitative and quantitative studies that have investigated CDI-PTSD among patients coping with cardiac illness and their spouses, highlighting the dyadic processes affecting the emergence and consequences of patients' and spouses’ CDI-PTSD. The intention is for the lecture to broaden our understanding of the unique manifestations of PTSD resulting from health crises. Ultimately, the hope is that this kind of comprehensive understanding will be translated into effective interventions for both patients and caregivers.