Related Experiment Videos
[Psychiatric complication of an implanted automatic defibrillator].
J L Goëb1, A Galloyer-Fortier, J M Dupuis
1Service de psychiatrie, Centre hospitalier universitaire, Angers.
Archives Des Maladies Du Coeur Et Des Vaisseaux
|July 14, 2004
Summary
Implantable automatic defibrillators (IADs) can cause psychological distress, including anxiety and depression, due to unpredictable shocks. Managing this requires integrated cardiac and psychiatric care, alongside device sensitivity adjustments, to improve patient quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychiatry
- Medical Device Technology
Background:
- Implantable automatic defibrillators (IADs) are crucial for managing life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias.
- Patient acceptance and psychological well-being can be negatively impacted by the trauma of resuscitation and device shocks.
Observation:
- Patients may experience anxiety, depression, and acute stress due to unpredictable, painful IAD shocks.
- A case study highlights extreme psychological distress in a young patient experiencing frequent shocks, leading to feelings of helplessness and suicidal ideation.
Findings:
- Psychological distress, including learned helplessness, is a significant concern for IAD recipients.
- Current management strategies are not standardized and often insufficient with medication alone.
Implications:
- Integrated care between cardiac rhythmology and psychiatric teams is essential for effective patient management.
- Adjusting IAD sensitivity can empower patients, improving their sense of control and device acceptance.
- Further research is needed to enhance patient acceptance and quality of life with IADs.