Abstract
Objective : The primary aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of anxiety, depression and PTSD disorders for people with cardiac devices, and compare differences between patients with pacemakers and ICDs. The secondary aim is to understand other factors involved in illness-related distress following device implantation including appearance related concerns and illness perception. Finally, the study will explore whether anxiety, depression, appearance related distress, symptoms of PTSD and illness representations have a relationship with one another. Design: A cross sectional questionnaire design compared differences between people with ICDs and pacemakers. Participants: Sixty nine patients with ICDs and 71 with pacemakers were recruited from an outpatient clinic (total n=140). Results: For both groups, measures for anxiety, depression and PTSD were within the normal range. No differences were found between people with pacemakers and ICDs foranxiety or depression. However, for both groups, elevated anxiety or depression was associated with higher appearance dissatisfaction, ICD patients having significantly more concerns with the appearance of their device. People with ICDs experienced significantly more symptoms of PTSD. In terms of illness concern, people with ICDs had a significantly higher overall illness threat, consequences, concern and emotional representation compared to those with pacemakers. Conclusions: The study showed that on the whole people adjusted well to having a device and scores for anxiety, depression and PTSD were within the normal range for both groups. A small proportion of people did experience anxiety and depression which was associated with other areas of psychological distress, including PTSD symptoms, appearance concerns and illness perceptions. Patients who do experience distress in these groups may require psychological treatment and support.