Psychological distress across the course of care: A case study from implantable cardioverter defibrillator to cardiac transplantation evaluation

The psychological distress of cardiac patients can complicate treatment or the recovery process. This case study presents a 47-year-old male recipient of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator who experienced multiple, con secutive shocks and subsequently developed anxiety and depressive difficult ies. Psychological treatment to diminish these symptoms was employed. Despi te declining cardiac function, the patient made significant progress in man aging this negative affect. Subsequently, he was evaluated for cardiac tran splant, and this treatment progress became critical evidence of his psychos ocial suitability for transplant.