Psychological Intervention to Modify Anxiety, Depression and Quality of Life in Patients with an Implantable Pacemaker

The objective was to determine the effectiveness of a psychological intervention program for the management of anxiety and depression for patients with potentially lethal cardiac arrhythmia with a portable pacemaker. 11 patients from the Cardiology General Hospital of Mexico were evaluated. Cognitive behavioral intervention was conducted once a week for six weeks, for the management of anxiety and depression. The results showed 45.5% depression in patients that was reduced to 9.1% after the treatment, similar situation with anxiety that decreased to 45.5% compared to the initial psychological evaluation of 81.8%. The different factors of Health Related Quality of Life also were improved after the psychological treatment. It is suggested the necessity to identify and treat psychologically the emotional comorbidity of these patients.