Improved appraisal of the quality of life in patients with automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator: a psychometric study.
BACKGROUND
Patients with an implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) may experience a certain degree of suffering. A sample of 32 patients was surveyed to determine the psychological benefit resulting from this treatment.


METHODS
Hamilton Anxiety Scale, Beck Depression Inventory and a shortened version of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory were used. A 10-item scale and a global index of quality of life were especially designed to assess cardioverter defibrillator tolerance and the effect of its implantation on patients' current well-being.


RESULTS
Both quality of life index scores were negatively correlated with anxiety and depression. Occurrence of shocks had no influence on psychological well-being.


CONCLUSIONS
The questionnaires provided a simple and reliable measure of quality of life in ICD patients. Prior to implantation, technical explanations should be accompanied by stress management techniques adapted to the patients' psychological background.
Chevalier
P
P
Hôpital Cardiovasculaire et Pneumologique, Lyon, France.
Verrier
P
P
Kirkorian
G
G
Touboul
P
P
Cottraux
J
J
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life; D012803:Sick Role; D017180:Tachycardia, Ventricular / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy