Key result
Female sex is linked to heightened anxiety in ICD patients, mediated by somatosensory amplification.
Why the study?
Female ICD patients report more psychological distress than male patients, and the role of somatosensory amplification in this relationship was unclear.
Does somatosensory amplification mediate sex differences in psychological distress among patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator?
Population
241 consecutive ICD patients, 33% women
Comparison
Female vs male ICD patients
Design
Cross-sectional study
Authors
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May inform sex-specific distress assessment in ICD patients; leaves open whether targeting amplification improves outcomes.
Cross-Sectional (n=241)
Does somatosensory amplification mediate sex differences in psychological distress among patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator?
Effect estimate: β = 0.13
p-value: p=0.04
Somatosensory amplification mediates the relationship between female sex and heightened psychological distress in ICD patients, suggesting a potential target for cognitive interventions.
Versteeg et al. (2010) conducted a cross-sectional in Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) patients (n=241). Female sex vs. Male sex was evaluated on Symptoms of anxiety (β = 0.13, p=0.04). Female sex was associated with heightened anxiety, phobic anxiety, and somatic health complaints in ICD patients, which was mediated by somatosensory amplification (Sobel test p≤0.002).
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