Patients with AF have impaired cardiac function, are symptomatic, have to take medications or undergo procedures, and have limits on daily living activities resulting in depression and anxiety and subsequent poorer quality of life. Additionally, predisposing intrapersonal factors such as negative effect (pessimism) or poor illness management style can further contribute to depression or anxiety. Perceiving AF illness as confusing, unpredictable and having the potential for complications can result in higher levels of depression and anxiety in patients. Moreover, depression and anxiety impact illness perception.