Anxiety and Depression in Patients with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator and Their Partners: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Distress of ICD patients is associated with distress of their partners. Future studies need to investigate mechanisms of these patient-partner dynamics, such as communication and behavioral issues. It may be timely to not only focus emotional support on patients, but also on their partners.

Secondary Prevention of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Older Adults

“…The combination of advanced age and age-associated medical comorbidities increase risks of non-cardiac mortality and morbidity, which can diminish or even abolish beneficial effects of ICD in the prevention of SCD in many senior patients. Furthermore, increased depression and reduced QOL can result in many ICD recipients by inappropriate discharges and/or the apprehension they may occur, especially in those who are predisposed to such emotional flux (185). Similar ICD-related emotional distress may also extend to ICD patients’ families (185).…”

“…Furthermore, increased depression and reduced QOL can result in many ICD recipients by inappropriate discharges and/or the apprehension they may occur, especially in those who are predisposed to such emotional flux (185). Similar ICD-related emotional distress may also extend to ICD patients’ families (185). Such stresses and potential clinical implications (e.g., depression, anxiety, and potentially even changes in cognition) merit greater study in relation to advanced age and cumulative infirmity.…”

Men regret anabolic steroid use due to a lack of comprehension regarding the consequences on future fertility

“…a). As previous studies (Sanford, ; Van den Broek et al ., ) found partner effects and anxiety to play a role in regret, we hypothesised that regretting AAS use may be associated with a lack of spousal awareness that would then impact a couple's relationship (Fig. b).…”

“…Given that AAS users have previously been shown to experience poor parental relationships (Skarberg & Engstrom, ), and partner/spousal anxiety and depression results in emotional distress (Van den Broek et al ., ), we sought to analyse whether spousal awareness and the resultant relationship consequences had any influence on AAS‐induced regret. In our population, the majority of spouses and partners were aware of their partners AAS use; with most mentioning that it had no effect on their relationship (Fig.…”

“…Indeed, regret has previously been shown to play a role in the decision to alter substance abuse patterns (Blume & Schmaling, ) and has been associated with less alcohol and marijuana use in young adults (Stoddard et al ., ) suggesting that men with prior AAS use are more likely to seek medical assistance for ASIH given their familiarity with the symptoms and long‐term side effects. Furthermore, previous studies (Sanford, ; Van den Broek et al ., ) have found spousal and partner feelings and anxiety to play a role in regret, so we hypothesised that regretting AAS use may be associated with a lack of spousal awareness that would then impact a couple's relationship. We therefore sought to determine whether patients presenting with ASIH regretted their decision to use AAS and what factors drove this regret.…”