Psychocardiology

Whereas after an acute heart attack, for example, it is more important to come to terms with what has happened and answer questions about the near future, in the case of chronic illnesses the focus is on issues such as acceptance and maintaining quality of life. In addition to initial feelings of fear, helplessness and being at the mercy of others, the loss of physical integrity, a changed body image and the fear of new events must be overcome as the illness progresses.

Trust in the heart as a functioning organ must also be rebuilt or strengthened. Changes in social and professional roles associated with the illness also often represent a major challenge for those affected and sometimes also for relatives.

Symptoms

• Depressive symptoms such as low mood, lack of motivation, loss of interest, reduced performance and helplessness
• Fear of the future, fear of the course of the disease and of pain
• Panic attacks
• Difficulty processing the cardiac disease (e.g. identity, body image)

Counseling and therapy

We support you in actively dealing with the illness and adapting to the new life circumstances. Depending on the phase of the illness or treatment, the needs and content of the conversation differ and are adapted individually. The focus of treatment ranges from counseling sessions to longer-term psychotherapeutic support. In the discussions, strategies can be developed to better perceive and assess difficult feelings and to find a good way of dealing with them. This can counteract the development of a mental illness at an early stage. If necessary, counseling and therapy is supported by the targeted use of relaxation techniques and medication.

We accompany you during your hospital stay and also offer support in the outpatient area. If necessary, we also offer discussions with relatives.

Cooperation

As an interdisciplinary consultation, the psychocardiology consultation works closely with the Heart Center of the USZ and the associated clinics for cardiology and cardiovascular surgery.