Positive Psychotherapy to Improve Autonomic Function and Mood in ICD Patients (PAM-ICD): Rationale and Design of an RCT Currently Underway.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Improving mental and physical health of patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) is critical because this group is at high risk for ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death and depressed or anxious cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients appear to be at even higher risk for mortality compared to nondepressed or nonanxious CVD patients. Further, autonomic dysfunction is present in these patients, and negative emotions and arrhythmias form a downward spiral further worsening mood, well-being, and cardiovascular health. Much research demonstrates that positive emotion is related to health benefits, improved physiology, and increased survival.

Methods and results

This is a two-arm randomized controlled trial aiming to recruit 60 adult ICD patients com

SUBMITTER: Serber ER 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4846522 | biostudies-literature | 2016 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature