OPTIMA: Psychological Distress and the Effect of Intensive Group Based Cognitive Therapy in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Ischemic Heart Disease

"Patients are informed about the Optima program in the inclusion interview, and patients are participating in groups of maximum 4 persons. Each of the 5 session has a duration of 1,5 - 2 hours.~The psychologist have developed the content of each session, with attention to thoughts and feelings regarding the current situation after a heart-condition, and the effects on life conditions. Patients get the tools to overcoming the difficulties, they experience, f.x. anxiety and stress.~When other hospitals are joining the Optima project, the project nurse and psychologist are training the hospital staff as well as supervising."