Effect of anti-anxiety therapy on the prognosis of patients with atrial fibrillation and anxiety: a 2 × 2 factorial randomized controlled trial - Report - MDSpire

Effect of anti-anxiety therapy on the prognosis of patients with atrial fibrillation and anxiety: a 2 × 2 factorial randomized controlled trial

  • By

  • Zuoan Qin

  • Xuelin Lu

  • Ying Li

  • Liangqing Ge

  • July 7, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Impact of Anti-Anxiety Treatment on Outcomes in AF Patients

Overview

This study evaluates the efficacy of combined anti-anxiety therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and anxiety. Results indicate improvements in quality of life and a reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events with integrated treatment approaches, as evidenced by statistical analysis.

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent arrhythmia that significantly impacts patients' quality of life (QoL). The co-occurrence of anxiety disorders with AF can exacerbate symptoms and worsen overall prognosis. Despite the importance of psychological management in AF care, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of combined pharmacotherapy and psychological interventions.

Data Highlights

GroupQoL Improvement (SF-36)Incidence of MACE
Combination (Drug + CBT)P < 0.0136.67%
ControlP > 0.0570.00%

Key Findings

  • 117 patients completed the follow-up at 6 months.
  • Improvements in Role-Physical, General Health, Vitality, and Social Functioning domains of the SF-36 in intervention groups (P < 0.01).
  • Psychological intervention and drug therapy showed significant main effects on QoL (P < 0.001 and P = 0.011, respectively).
  • The Combination group had a lower incidence of MACE compared to the Control group (P = 0.003).

Clinical Implications

The findings suggest that incorporating anti-anxiety pharmacotherapy and psychological therapy can enhance QoL and reduce cardiovascular risks in patients with AF and anxiety. This integrated approach may inform future treatment strategies in managing AF patients.

Conclusion

The study highlights the potential benefits of combined anti-anxiety treatments in improving outcomes for patients with AF and anxiety. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term effects of such interventions.

Related Resources & Content

  1. He Huang et al., BMC Psychiatry, 2025 -- Impact of Anti-Anxiety Treatment on Outcomes in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Anxiety
  2. Clinical Research in Cardiology, 2023 -- Impact of Beta-1 Selectivity on the Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous Beta-Blockers for Acute Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter
  3. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Engagement in Therapeutic Exercise Linked to Dose-Dependent Decreases in Acute Anxiety Among Various Psychiatric Conditions
  4. BMC Psychiatry (Springer) — Evaluation of the efficacy of group cognitive behavioral therapy on anxiety in college students based on wearable devices and mobile applications: a randomized controlled trial
  5. 2025 ESC Clinical Consensus Statement on mental health and cardiovascular disease
  6. Nurse-Led Multicomponent Behavioral Activation Intervention for Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: A Randomized Controlled Trial - The Chinese University of Hong Kong
  7. Identifying risk factors for major bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation using direct oral anticoagulants: a systematic review and meta-analysis - ScienceDirect

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