Psychosocial Adjustment of Pediatric ICD Patients
Grant
Overview
abstract
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The implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) delivers a life-saving electrical shock to terminate potentially lethal ventricular arrhythmias in patients at risk for sudden cardiac death. The ICD is now implanted in approximately 150,000 Americans each year and randomized trials have demonstrated its superiority to pharmacological interventions in preventing death in these patients. The overall benefit of the ICD, however, may be diminished by psychological maladjustment. Previous research has indicated that 24-38% of adult ICD patients experience significant psychological distress. However, there is minimal extant literature regarding the psychosocial impact of the ICD on children, adolescents, and their families: We propose to investigate the psychosocial impact of the ICD on this younger group of patients. Participants will be recruited from three outpatient pediatric cardiology clinics. Specific Aims Aim 1: To establish prevalence of psychosocial adjustment and QOL in pediatric ICD patients. Aim 2: Predict child reported QOL using the following factors: (1), avoidance behaviors, (2) hypervigilance, (3) device acceptance, and (4) social experiences. Aim 3: Compare parent and child ratings of child's QOL and child's device acceptance.
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