Psychological indices in patients after multiple shocks with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) and psychotherapy

Abstract

We deliver an overview of the psychological reactions and distress in ICD-patients (implantable cardioverter defibrillator), especially after experiencing multiple consecutive shocks. Psychodiagnostic assessment will be discussed. After reviewing the scientific literature concerning psychological interventions we describe the most important areas of coping and adjustment, indicating helpful psychological tools for the treatment of psychiatric disorders following ICD-shocks. Finally, we present a case study of a specific psychological treatment as part of an inpatient multimodal therapy setting (psychocardiological rehabilitation) for a patient, who had experienced about 35 ICD-shocks, and his partner.