Psychosocial and adaptation factors in relatives of patients who died of sudden cardiac death

Abstract

Introduction: Although grief is a natural process that, in most cases, develops without complications, 10-20% of people who suffer a significant loss will experience complicated grief and percentages are much higher in relatives bereaved by sudden cardiac death.

Objective: To study the relationship between attachment styles, stressful life events accumulation and psychopathology development, especially complicated grief, in relatives of patients who died of sudden cardiac death.

Method: The sample consisted of 16 mourners of deceased from this cause. Questionnaires were used to evaluate, among other variables, stressful life events, psychopathological symptoms, attachment and grief.

Results: Sixty-two percent of the cases were middle-aged women (average 49 years), predominantly married or with unmarried partner (60%), and 31% widows (of the deceased). Prior to death, most of the mourners (81%) did not have a histo-ry of anxious-depressive symptoms. At present more than 50% attend psychotherapy sessions, showing clear signs of risk to their physical-psychological health, with sleep disturbances, anxious-depressive symptoms and general exhaustion. Particularly relevant in our study is the fact that half of them have very high levels of chronic stress. About 40% of family members have insecure attachment style: 15% anxious and 25% avoidant.

Conclusions: Presenting insecure attachment style is considered a risk factor for developing complicated grief. Its indicators show 56% of subjects at clear risk of suffering it.