[Psychological and psychopathological aspects of cardiac pacemaker implantation (author's transl)]

Several examinations made clear that patients with cardiac pacemakers are able to react in the three following ways: In most cases we see a regain of joy of living and mental performance caused by the regulation of heart-action and the normalization of the physical strength. Most patients seem to be anxious and labile in the first postoperative phase until some weeks later the previous state of emotional stability is obtained again. Many other patients are not able to adapt themselves to the pacemaker in a satisfactory manner; depressions, fears, dependences, lability, and uncomfortable feelings continue. In some cases we see intensive affective reactions even to a psychotic degree. An accurate and continous psychological care based upon an intact doctor-patient-relation might lead to an accelerated and improved adaptation to the pacemaker.