The MBHI: its utilization in assessment and management of the coronary bypass surgery patient.

Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States today. Coronary bypass surgery is increasingly employed as a procedure to prolong the life of these patients. A major problem is optimizing the management of this vast patient population which is composed of individuals who may have experienced sudden entry into the patient role. Central to this is the task of characterizing certain critical features of the psychological makeup of these patients so as to modify or eliminate negative behavioral influences. The MBHI, developed for medical patients, serves in both diagnosis and treatment planning, facilitating and, when needed, psychotherapeutic intervention.