title: Post-traumatic stress disorder in a patient with an implant cardioverter-defibrillator.
abstract: The authors describe a patient using cardioverter-defibrillator implant therapy (CDIT) after a blood pressure elevation and arrhythmia episode. The CDIT delivered 9 defibrillating discharges in a 24 hour period until a new stabilization was achieved. The patient developed a post-traumatic stress disorder with no improvement with the use of 15 mg of diazepam b.i.d. He was referred to a psychiatrist 4 months later, received Sertraline 100 mg b.i.d., and supportive therapy and achieved a total remission in 6 weeks. This case report illustrates the psychiatric comorbidity in the &#164 survivor' population, a group of patients who survive due to advances in medical technology. The psychiatric study of them is a challenge to the improvement of their quality of life. Assessment and treatment of mental disorder may improve the quality of life for this patient group.
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Batista
keywords: Post-TRAUMATIC Stress Disorder Implant Cardioverter-DEFIBRILLATOR Treatment