A Randomized Controlled Trial of Secondary Prevention of Anxiety and Distress in a German Sample of Patients With an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator

Objective: To evaluate a minimal, easy, accessible intervention targeting anxiety and reduced quality of life in patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). An estimated 24% to 87% of patients experience anxiety, and 10% to 15% have reduced quality of life. Methods: A total of 119 ICD patients were assigned randomly to usual medical aftercare (n = 63) or additional psychological treatment (n = 56) comprising of written...