Trajectories of Perceived Emotional and Physical Distress in Patients with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator

Background Little is known about the course of emotional and physical distress in patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Purpose We examined (1) trajectories of emotional and physical distress in the first 18 months postimplantation and (2) predictors of these trajectories, including demographical, clinical, and personality factors. Methods Dutch patients with an ICD (N = 645) completed measures on anxiety, depression, somatic symptoms, and perceived disability at the time of implantation, and 2, 12, and 18 months postimplantation. Measures on Type D personality (tendency to inhibit the expression of negative emotions) and anxiety sensitivity (tendency to fear anxiety-related sensations) were also completed at baseline. Results Latent class analysis (LatentGOLD) identified six to seven distinct trajectories, varying largely in overall levels of distress, and remaining relatively stable after a small initial decline. Multinomial regression showed that Type D personality and anxiety sensitivity were the most prominent predictors, particularly of trajectories that reflected higher distress levels. Cardiac resynchronization therapy and coronary artery disease also increased the risk for distress, whereas ICD indication and shocks did not. Conclusions The course of emotional and physical distress may be relatively stable after ICD implantation. In clinical practice, identification of patients with high risk of higher levels of emotional and physical distress may be warranted; as such, patients with high levels of anxiety sensitivity or a Type D personality should be identified and offered behavioral support.