title: Affective distress and implantable cardioverter defibrillators: cases for psychological and behavioral interventions.
abstract: The implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) may be associated with some degree of psychological maladjustment, especially in patients experiencing high rates of discharge. This article reviews the psychological literature related to ICDs and presents two case examples illustrating common psychological complications related to multiple discharges. A brief, psychological intervention can be implemented to improve patient adjustment. To explain possible processes by which psychological complications may develop in ICD patients, two well-established psychological theories of learning and behavior, classical conditioning and learned helplessness, are reviewed. Multidisciplinary teams that include consultation with clinical psychologists are suggested for the routine care of ICD patients.
authors.affiliation: University of Florida Health Science Center, Gainesville 32610-0165, USA.
authors.forename: S F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Sears
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Conti
authors.forename: A B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Curtis
authors.forename: T L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Saia
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Foote
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Wen
mesh_terms: D000275:Adjustment Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D003214:Conditioning, Classical / Q000502:physiology; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable / Q000523:psychology*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006380:Helplessness, Learned; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012917:Social Adjustment