Mental health and interoceptive sensitivity in patients with inherited cardiac conditions: insights from a national referral center and a structured framework from diagnosis to clinical management

Abstract Background/Introduction Patients with inherited cardiac conditions (ICC) navigate complex medical and psychological challenges, yet their mental health and interoceptive experiences remain underrecognized in clinical practice. Purpose The psychological burden and bodily awareness of individuals with ICC will be explored, drawing from the experience of a national referral centre for inherited heart disease. A key focus will be the structured diagnosis-to-management pathway employed in such a clinic for the support of patients’ mental health needs, highlighting an integrated algorithm for patient care. Methods Through a hospital-based, cross-sectional approach, adult patients diagnosed with ICC (n = 101, 48.5% females, age 47.3±11.1) at the Cardiogenetics Unit, of a hospital, a national referral centre for ICC, completed comprehensive psychometric assessments of mental health (PHQ-9, GAD-7, PSS-14, SCL-90R) and interoceptive processing (MAIA-II) to capture patterns of emotional distress, bodily perception, and factors influencing psychological well-being in this unique population. Results Findings revealed that many patients experience significant emotional distress, with anxiety (29.7%) and depression (24.7%) being notably more prevalent than in the general population (21.3% and 7.7%, respectively; both p0.001). A total of 67.3% of patients reported experiencing stress, along with heightened rates of somatization and paranoid ideation (for all p0.001 compared to general population rates). Beyond traditional psychiatric symptoms, patients engaged more actively in body listening (p=0.002), had greater difficulty distracting themselves from unpleasant sensations (p=0.017), and felt less bodily safety (p0.001) than the general population. Several factors exacerbated psychiatric comorbidities, including female sex, poor sleep health, and lack of physical exercise. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that the psychological dimensions of living with ICC need consideration and appropriate care. By integrating cardiology, psychology, and patient-centred interventions into a unified management model, specialized clinics can enhance patient outcomes, improve quality of life, and support more effective long-term disease management.