Abstract

The paper aims at presenting usefulness of cognitive-behavioral techniques in rehabilitation of patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). The patients with ICD have high psychiatric comorbidity (especially anxiety disorders and depression). The severity of psychopathology is strongly associated with the treatment efficacy and prognosis. Cognitive-behavioral approach provides explanatory models , helping to understand different disorders e.g. anxiety disorders in ICD patients. Practical implications of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) conceptualization of symptoms are presented through the example of anxiety disorder related to ICD shocks. Moreover, cognitive modification of dysfunctional beliefs in ICD patients is presented. Then, literature review on psychological therapy in patients with ICD is provided. Literature lacks comparative studies, showing efficacy of various therapeutic approaches in ICD patients. Scarce data concern only the efficacy of CBT (both in the individual and group setting). What is more, it is suggested that selected cognitive-behavioral techniques are useful in telephone and web-based communication with the patients. Finally, methodological limitations of the reviewed studies, suggestions for future research and implications for clinical practice are presented.

Adres: dr Emilia Sitek
Oddział Neurologii Szpitala Specjalistycznego Św. Wojciecha w Gdańsku,
al. Jana Pawła II 50, 80-462 Gdańsk
tel. 58/768 46 61
e-mail: emiliasitek@gumed.edu.pl