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For heart patients who have an irregular heartbeat, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, or
ICD, can be a lifesaver—shocking a stumbling heart back into the right rhythm. But this reassurance often comes with psychological side effects.
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University of Florida researchers say many patients with an ICD fear the powerful shock the device delivers. So U-F experts have designed a new test that identifies those who would benefit from psychological counseling to help them cope with their anxiety. Many worry if the device fires they may harm themselves or others, or cause a scene. Others are concerned exercise or sex might trigger a shock, often described as feeling like a kick in the chest. Some patients' concerns worsened after manufacturers recalled more than a hundred-thousand ICD's last year, after device flaws were linked to at least seven deaths.
Dr. Sam Sears / UF clinical psychologist
"Somewhere between one-fourth to one-third of ICD patients will experience psychological distress. And that's not awful because they're dealing with a potentially life-threatening condition and a treatment that shakes them up a little bit. But nonetheless, they're safer with this device and this device prevents premature death."
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U-F researchers recently studied seventy-two ICD patients and found that their anxiety often centered around their ability to cope with the anticipation of future shock events. The U-F experts developed a questionnaire that asks patients to rate how frequently they have anxious thoughts, such as "I am afraid of being alone when the ICD fires and I will need help" and "I am afraid to touch others for fear that I will shock them if the ICD fires." The researchers tested the questionnaire, analyzing participants' responses on a scale. The formula accurately evaluated patients' fear levels, assisting doctors in determining which patients needed additional counseling after receiving an ICD. The U-F doctors hope other practitioners around the nation will also use this new tool.
Dr. Sam Sears / UF clinical psychologist
"This measure of shock anxiety allows us to determine how much of the time patients are worrying about being shocked. And then we're able to triage or target the right kind of people with ICD's and find those that need additional education or possibly some management of their anxiety."
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At the University of Florida Health Science Center, I'm Mike Garrison
