Patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator at risk of poorer psychological health during 24 months of follow-up (results from the Danish national DEFIB-WOMEN study)

OBJECTIVE: Identify implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients at risk of distress (i.e., depression, anxiety, and ICD concerns) and associated risk factors.

METHOD: First-time ICD patients (n = 1503) from the Danish national DEFIB-WOMEN study completed questionnaires at baseline, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months.

RESULTS: Of patients with low scores on distress, only 4%-7.2% experienced an increase in distress during 24 months of follow-up (FU), while 30.5%-52.5% with increased levels were likely to maintain increased levels at FU. Higher education, higher age, female sex, and good physical functioning at baseline were associated with less depression, anxiety and ICD concerns at FU. Previous psychological problems, smoking, Type D personality, NYHA class III-IV - all assessed at baseline - and shocks during FU were associated with depression, anxiety and ICD concerns.

CONCLUSIONS: Generally, patients' psychological health improved, but patients with increased baseline scores were more likely to have increased scores at FU. We need to be vigilant if patients report elevated distress, particularly if they have depression at baseline, as depression seems more persistent. Given the impact of depression on health-related quality of life and prognosis, they should be screened and monitored closely.