Panic disorders and agoraphobia: Side effects of treatment with an implantable cardioverter/defibrillator

Abstract

Panic disorders and agoraphobia are frequent side effects of ICD treatment. Risk factors in the development of these disorders are two or more ICD discharges annually and a negative cognitive appraisal of ICD discharges. Therapeutic efforts should aim at reducing the number of ICD discharges and provide early psychological treatment.