糖果派对

HjertePsykologerne (The Cardiac Psychologists), which originates from the Department of Psychology at the University of Southern Denmark (糖果派对), offers tailored online psychological programmes aimed at preventing and treating anxiety, stress, and depression in patients with heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation and coronary artery disease.

Professor Susanne S. Pedersen, who has played a key role in the research and establishment of the company, explains:

– Our research has long shown that psychological support can make a significant difference for heart patients who need help managing life with heart disease. With HjertePsykologerne, we are bringing our knowledge into society, making online psychological treatment easily accessible for patients and their relatives outside of research projects.

Approximately 670,000 Danes live with heart disease. Among them, around 162,000 have coronary artery disease, and about 171,000 suffer from atrial fibrillation.

One in five heart patients experiences anxiety and/or depression, which not only reduces quality of life but also negatively affects their overall health.

Research translated into practice

HjertePsykologerne offers online treatment programmes tailored to the individual needs of each patient. In addition to anxiety, stress, and depression, these programmes also help patients manage issues such as loneliness, sleep problems, and difficulties in social relationships. The methods are based on insights from major research projects and clinical practice at 糖果派对.

– We have always involved heart patients from the very beginning of our research projects to ensure that the treatments we develop are tailored to their needs and wishes. Now, we want to bring these treatments into society, which is why we are launching HjertePsykologerne, says Susanne S. Pedersen.

Treatment for heart and mind

What sets HjertePsykologerne apart from other treatment options is its focus on the connection between heart health and mental well-being. The treatments are specifically designed for patients with heart disease.

– There is a significant overlap between symptoms of heart disease and psychological conditions. We train patients to distinguish between them. It doesn’t make sense to treat psychological issues without considering the heart condition, says Robert Ahm, psychologist and PhD student, who is also one of the initiators behind HjertePsykologerne.

Through previous research projects, he has worked with and treated heart patients suffering from anxiety and depression, specialising in this patient group.

– A typical scenario is that patients are unsure whether their symptoms stem from their heart condition or their mental state. For example, they may be admitted to a cardiology ward with what turns out to be a panic attack. We help them learn to differentiate and manage these symptoms, explains Robert Ahm.

Many heart patients also experience psychological challenges in their interactions with others.

Both heart disease and its psychological effects are invisible conditions. Unlike a broken leg, heart disease and its mental consequences on daily life are not visible. This makes it difficult for those around the patient to understand that they may have less energy and capacity than before.