Prevalence and risk markers of early psychological distress after ICD implantation in the European REMOTE-CIED study cohort

A significant subset of European ICD and CRT-defibrillator patients reports anxiety and/or depression in the first weeks post implantation. Patients' psychological characteristics, especially negative perceptions about their illness and treatment, were the strongest associates of distress. Timely identification of these patients is essential as they may benefit from psychological interventions and cardiac rehabilitation in terms of improved quality of life and prognosis.