Effects of Cognitive Behavior Therapy on Quality of Life in Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Patients

Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) was commonly impaired in atrial fibrillation patients. Depression, anxiety, and illness perception are psychological correlates of HRQoL. Our previous study had shown good effects of CBT on the quality of life in AF patients. This study aimed to establish the long-term efficacy of CBT on both psychological distress and HRQoL. Method: The study was a prospective, open study, pseudo-randomization with a pretest-posttest design and a 6-month follow-up. A total of 102 patients with paroxysmal AF were enrolled, and 90 patients were assigned (1:1) to 10 weeks of CBT focused on anxiety symptoms or to treat as usual in the end. Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), GAD-7, PHQ-9, University of Toronto Atrial Fibrillation (AFSS), and Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ) were measured as outcomes.