Psychological adaptation to ICDs and the influence of anxiety sensitivity.
Forty-nine patients scheduled for implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation completed self-report psychological questionnaires prior to surgery and at 2, 4 and 6 months after surgery. The most common psychological problem identified was anxiety, with clinically significant cases based on the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) ranging between 26% and 34%. Clinically significant depression ranged between 8% and 20%. Anxiety sensitivity was associated with high levels of anxiety, depression and stress at baseline, but not at follow-up assessments. It is possible that within this population anxiety sensitivity is associated with distress during high-threat situations, but the relationship diminishes once the threat has passed. In addition, the reassurance provided by the ICD may reduce negative perceptions of symptoms, promoting psychological adaptation.
Lemon
Jim
J
Health Psychology Unit, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia. sarah_edelman@uts.edu.au
Edelman
Sarah
S
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001007:Anxiety / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006791:Hostility; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires