Various psychological factors (personality traits, acute stressors, etc.). are involved in development of psychiatric disorders after acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

More passive personality traits might have protective effect in development of particular type of ACS [ST-segment elevation (STEACS) or non–ST-segment elevation (NSTE-ACS)].

To investigate the development of psychiatric disorders and dimensions of personality in the subjects with ACS, and their changes retesting them after one month and after 6 months.

Research has been conducted in three phases: the 1st after stabilization of ACS, the 2nd after one month and the 3rd after six months. The first phase of the study included 121 subjects, the second phase included 80 subjects and the third phase 56 subjects. Dimensions of personality were measured by Emotions Profile Index (EPI). Psychiatric disorders were diagnosed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Inventory (MINI).

A group profile of subjects matches the profile of the normal population. The dimensions of personality were stable over 3 phases of research. In the first phase dimension of impulsiveness was more prominent in subjects with STE-ACS, while dimension of deprivation was more prominent in subjects with NSTE-ACS. NSTE-ACS patients who develop PTSD manifest personal dimension of deprivation.

It is important to consider potentially negative personality traits, especially in chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, since personality traits determines the behavior of the patients that consequently affects the adhesiveness to therapy and positive outcome of the treatment.