Improved appraisal of the quality of life in patients with automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator: a psychometric study

• Published in: Psychotherapy and psychosomatics Vol. 65; no. 1; p. 49
• Main Authors: Chevalier, P, Verrier, P, Kirkorian, G, Touboul, P, Cottraux, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland 01.01.1996
• Subjects: Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Aged; Defibrillators, Implantable; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Personality Inventory - statistics & numerical data; Psychometrics; Quality of Life; Sick Role; Tachycardia, Ventricular - etiology; Tachycardia, Ventricular - psychology; Tachycardia, Ventricular - therapy
• ISSN: 0033-3190
• DOI: 10.1159/000289032

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