Depressive coping is a predictor for emotional distress and poor quality of life in a German–Austrian sample of cardioverter-defibrillator implant recipients at 3 months and 1 year after implantation

ObjectiveThe implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) has been proven to prolong the lives of patients with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia. However, implant recipients must cope with numerous challenges. We studied the effects of specific coping strategies and the adaptability of coping in ICD implant recipients.MethodThis prospective study investigated the subjective well-being and objective disease course in 180 patients with life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, who were recruited while awaiting implantation of a cardioverter defibrillator. Patients completed well-validated self-assessment questionnaires before implantation (T0), as well as 3 months (T1) and 1 year (T2) after implantation. In addition, cardiological findings were documented.ResultsDepressive coping (range Beta, −0.36 to −0.58) was found to be a stable highly-significant predictor for low emotional well-being and quality of life. Active problem-oriented coping showed small positive influence (range Beta, 0.10 to 0.19). Employing a broad range of coping strategies was predictive of less emotional distress and better quality of life.ConclusionsDepressive coping is a risk factor for emotional distress and poor quality of life after ICD implantation. Patients with this tendency should be identified early and offered supportive psychotherapy.