PTSD and Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators

Posttraumatic stress 18 months following cardioverter defibrillator implantation: Shocks, anxiety, and personality.

“…Some patients may even experience posttraumatic stress after implantation of the device (Hamner et al, 1999;Kapa et al, 2010;Ladwig et al, 2008). In the present study, the prevalence of a PTSD diagnosis was 8% at 18 months postimplantation, which is in line with other studies.…”

“…The ICD may serve as a constant reminder of the cardiac disease, and experiencing a shock can cause great stress to patients (Hamner, Hunt, Gee, Garrell, & Monroe, 1999;Spindler & Pedersen, 2005). This may even result in a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; American Psychiatric Association, 1994), which is characterized by the persistence of intrusive memories, avoidance behavior, and hyperarousal.…”

Gender Disparities in Quality of Life and Psychological Disturbance in Patients With Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators

“…32 Patients with an ICD might particularly be prone to develop PTSD symptoms, because ICD therapy may act as a continuous reminder of suffering a potentially fatal disease. 33 The patients' experience of surviving a cardiac arrest or being told about risk for a spontaneous lifethreatening arrhythmia resulting in death could certainly be considered traumatic, and prompts further discussion on conceptualization of PTSD related to ICD implantation. 27 No statistically significant differences were found between women and men in anxiety scores.…”

Mechanical Circulatory Support as a Bridge to Heart Transplantation: What Remains? Long-term Emotional Sequelae in Patients and Spouses

“…6 PTSD was found in 10% to 17% of patients with an automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator and in 8% to 18% of patients after cardiac surgery and prolonged intensive care treatment. [7][8][9] …”