Journal Article

DZNE-2026-00605

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Prevalence and predictors of adjustment disorder in patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.

Sila, R. ; von Känel, R. ; Attanasio, V. ; Dörner, M.DZNE* ; Guth, L. ; Zirngast, S. ; Nager, L. ; Pazhenkottil, A. P. ; Menzi, A. ; König, N. ; Hackl-Zuccarella, C. ; Princip, M.

2026
Elsevier Science Amsterdam [u.a.]

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2026.112866

Abstract: Patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) face multiple challenges, including cardiac disease and shock discharges. Compared to anxiety, depression, and PTSD, adjustment disorder (AjD) remains under-researched. This study examined the prevalence and predictors of AjD in ICD patients using ICD-11 criteria.A cross-sectional sample of 245 patients completed self-report questionnaires assessing AjD (ADNM-20), anxiety (GAD-7), social support (ESSI), alexithymia (TAS-20), and number of shocks. A chi-squared test analyzed group differences in AjD-cut off based on shock experience. Hierarchical regression models tested predictors in three groups: sociodemographic variables (model a), adding psychological factors (model b), and additionally number of shocks (model c).AjD prevalence was 17.6%. Participants with shock experience were more likely to exceed the AjD cut-off than those without (χ2(1) = 4.78, p = .029, φ = 0.143). All three regression models were significant; the full model explained 59.1% of variance (F(9, 235) = 37.80, p < .001, R2 = 0.59). Anxiety was the strongest predictor (B = 2.22, p < .001), followed by number of shocks (B = 0.89, p = .040). Other psychological and sociodemographic variables were not significant. Unemployment lost significance after controlling for other predictors.AjD is a relevant condition in ICD patients, with anxiety being the primary driver. Shock experience qualifies as a stressor. Systematic screening for psychological distress is recommended before and after implantation, and especially after shocks. Longitudinal research is needed to track the trajectory over time of AjD and long-term consequences.

Keyword(s): Adjustment disorder ; Anxiety ; Cardiovascular disease ; Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator ; Shock experience

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Mixed Cerebral Pathologies and Cognitive Aging (AG Schreiber)

Research Program(s):

1. 353 - Clinical and Health Care Research (POF4-353) (POF4-353)

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Database coverage:
; BIOSIS Previews ; Biological Abstracts ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Clinical Medicine ; Current Contents - Social and Behavioral Sciences ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; Nationallizenz ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Social Sciences Citation Index ; Web of Science Core Collection

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