Psychother Psychosom Med Psychol 2005; 55 - P_007
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-863444

Factors associated with PTSD symptoms in survivors of a life-threatening cardiac event – Results from the LICAD (Living with an Implanted Cardioverter Defibrillator) Study

JJ Baumert 1, C Wirsching 1, C Schmitt 2, KH Ladwig 1
  • 1Institut und Poliklinik für Psychosomatische Medizin, Psychotherapie und Medizinische Psychologie, Klinikum rechts der Isar, TU München
  • 2Deutsches Herzzentrum München

Aims: The present study aimed to examine the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in survivors of a life-threatening cardiac event.

Methods: A total of 189 survivors of a life-threatening cardiac event (125 men, 64 women) were drawn from the LICAD study treated at the outpatient clinic of the German Heart Center Munich. All patients underwent a psychodiagnostic evaluation. PTSD symptoms were measured by the Impact of Event Scale-R (IES-R) consisting of the three subscales intrusion, avoidance and hyperarousal. Patients with values above the upper distribution tertile of the total score were defined as suffering from PTSD symptoms. Multivariate logistic regression analysis with stepwise variable selection was used to determine subgroups with an elevated chance of such disorders.

Results: The PTSD group consisted more frequently of female (p<0,001), younger (p=0,045), low or medium educated (p=0,011) and resuscitated (p=0,004) patients. No association with the sociodemographic factors, the primary diagnosis or the number of shocks were observed. Moreover, PTSD sufferers expressed stronger symptoms regarding almost all psychodiagnostic parameters assessed (e.g. anxiety, depression, sleeping disorders). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed women (OR: 4,26, 95% CI 1,72–10,59) and resuscitated patients (OR: 3,51, 95% CI 1,03–12,00) as well as patients expressing helplessness, sleeping disorders, depressive symptoms or anxiety as significant factors for PTSD symptoms.

Conclusions: The present study revealed risk groups for elevated PTSD symptoms for survivors of a life-threatening cardiac event. Especially women and patients with the experience of a resuscitation suffered from PTSD symptoms. Therefore, psychological treatment for these patients is recommended.

Key words

Posttraumatic stress disorders; Psychodiagnostic assessment; Life-threatening cardiac event