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