Relationship of quality of life and perceived control with posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms 3 to 6 months after myocardial infarction.

Purpose: This study examined whether psychological variables were associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms 3 to 6 months after myocardial infarction.

Methods: The sample included 52 patients with myocardial infarction. A structured interview was used to obtain information about PTSD symptoms, quality of life, and ratings of perceived control, danger, and predictability, as well as information about stressful events that occurred during hospitalization.