Measurement of patient fears about implantable cardioverter defibrillator shock: an initial evaluation of the Florida Shock Anxiety Scale.
BACKGROUND
Psychological distress is both a precipitant and a consequence of ICD shock. Therefore, the assessment of patient anxiety and concerns related to receiving an ICD shock may prompt appropriate psychological referrals and treatment.


METHODS
The purpose of this study is to assess the initial validity and clinical utility of the Florida Shock Anxiety Scale (FSAS). Seventy-two ICD recipients completed the FSAS.


RESULTS
Exploratory factor analysis revealed a two-factor structure with items loading such that Factor 1 could be conceptualized as a Consequence Factor (e.g., fearing creating a scene if the device were to fire) and Factor 2 as a Trigger Factor (e.g., fearing sexual activity). Alpha coefficients suggest good reliability (Cronbach's alpha= 0.91, split-half = 0.92), and FSAS Total Score was moderately correlated (r =-0.65) with total score on the Multidimensional Fear of Death Scale.


CONCLUSIONS
Two subscales, labeled consequence of shock and trigger of shock, were established via factor analysis. Collectively the FSAS demonstrates potential utility to assess shock distress and warrants additional investigation.
Kuhl
Emily A
EA
UF Health Science Center, Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA. ekuhl@phhp.ufl.edu
Dixit
Neha K
NK
Walker
Robyn L
RL
Conti
Jamie B
JB
Sears
Samuel F
SF
D001007:Anxiety / Q000175:diagnosis*; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable / Q000523:psychology*; D004554:Electric Countershock / Q000523:psychology*; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires