Ludhiana, October 28
Rita, (name changed) had chest pain, which later travelled to her left arm. The ECG did not reveal any abnormality. The cardiologist advised continuous observation. The chest pain persisted, but the ECG was clear. For 19 years, Rita suffered from anxiety, sleeplessness, headache, depression, joint pains and chest pain. Since she belonged to an affluent family, she got the best of treatment. However, since her symptoms persisted, she frequently changed doctors. A cardiologist finally eliminated all possibilities of cardiac pain by Tread Mill Test, Echo Test and ECG and was wise enough to send her to a clinical psychologist.

Dr Krishnanand, Head of the Department of Clinical Psychology, Christian Medical College, put her to Semi-Projective Test to find the cause of her problems. Through this test, the psychologist seeks details about the patient’s life, her relationship with her family members, sex life and if working, relationship with the boss, the work environment etc. Only after a detailed test he found that main cause of Rita’s pain and discomfort were internalisation of her negative feelings.

It was revealed that she had no friend, no source of entertainment, except when she was allowed to watch TV sometimes. She was an independent-minded person and wanted to have a separate identity. But her father-in-law was ill-tempered and she had differences with her mother-in-law. The husband remained passive and never intervened. Moreover, her son was mentally retarded. She had to bottle up all her feelings which manifested themselves in aches and pains.

Since she kept these frustrated feelings to herself, the body released cortisol which is a vasco-constricting hormone. This harmone constricts the arteries and the heart has to pump harder and the patient suffers chest pain which resembles cardiac pain because of the symptoms. If left untreated, the symptoms of non-cardiac pain can turn into real cardiac pain. Dr Krishnanand gave her a) Non-Verbal Expressive Therapy, which included devices like meditation, dancing, yoga and even mumbling to oneself to release pent up emotions b) Assertive (Expressive) Training, where she was taught to be more assertive in exercising her choices, and c) Cognitive behaviour therapy which Dr meant Krishnanand had to teach how to change her attitude through a number of sessions and be more positive and defined in her goals d) Respiration biofeed back therapy, where she was taught to develop the right breathing rhythm.

After 15 sittings of one hour each, Rita’s pains disappeared and she came to grips with life. She became more confident and could tackle problems which she earlier found insurmountable. There are hundreds of patients who develop cardiac pain like symptoms due to repression of the feelings.

“This pain arises due to stressful life style, materialistic attitude, unattainable goals or defunct emotions. Dr Krishnanand says he prescribes behaviour thereapy without any drugs. Patients like Rita can be cured if given proper help by the psychologist.