ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION IN IMPLANTED CARDIOVERTER DEFIBRIL-LATOR (ICD)

During recent decades, implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) has turn out to be the most effective therapy available to prevent sudden cardiac death while implantation rates are increasing, worldwide. Eligible patients are categorized in those who have already resuscitated from sudden cardiac death (secondary prevention) and those are at increased risk due to the severity of their cardiac disease (primary prevention). The aim of the present study was to explore anxiety and depression in patients living with ICD. The methodology used included bibliographic research in electronic databases mainly in "pubmed" using key-words. Results : Anxiety and depression are both common among ICDs recipients with females to be more vulnerable which is mainly attributed to their family and social roles, to their changed body image and sexual or reproductive health. According to literature review, ICDs recipients encounter with several issues after implantation which may trigger anxiety and depression such as diminished education about device and its functions, delivered unintentional shocks, concerns about future, fear of death, and various restrictions in daily lives. An essential aspect of alleviating anxiety and depression is to provide accurate and elaborate information to ICD recipients and involve their partners in the therapeutic regimen. Nowadays, that nurses are treating an increasing number of these patients from primary to tertiary clinical care settings, it becomes important to expand nurses knowledge about ICD related issues with ultimate goal to alleviate their emotional burden. Conclusions : Education and follow-up interventions increase knowledge levels, decrease anxiety and depression and improve quality of life in ICDs recipients