title: Psychiatric morbidity following implantation of the automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator.
abstract: The automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (AICD) has found a place in the treatment of sustained ventricular tachycardia and in survivors of sudden arrhythmic death. However, little is known about the psychological impact of this device on patients and their families. In a group of 20 AICD recipients, examined between 3 and 21 months post-implantation, the prevalence of psychiatric disorder was 50%. Following implantation, six patients suffered from adjustment disorder; three suffered from major depression; and one developed panic disorder. Psychiatric morbidity in patients was associated with psychopathology in family members, peri-operative AICD shocks, and social support that was perceived to be inadequate.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Brown University.
authors.forename: P L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Badger
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chmielewski
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Berger
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Goldberg
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D004554:Electric Countershock / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000523:psychology*; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D005260:Female; D006352:Heart Ventricles; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012803:Sick Role; D013610:Tachycardia / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D014693:Ventricular Fibrillation / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*