Objectives:
Cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) reduces the risk of sudden cardiac death and ensures a feeling of safety in the patient. In some patients, an electrical storm can be a source of difficulties in adaptation process, requiring psychological interventions. The electrical storm is a rare, but psychologically burdensome situation in patients with ICD. The aim of the study was the analysis of the experiences of electrical storm in patients with cardioverter defibrillator taking into account the severity of state anxiety.

Methods:
The study and the psychological intervention were conducted in the first three days after the ICD electric storm in the Intensive Cardiology Care Ward. Data was analyzed on the basis of narrative interview and thematic analysis. The severity of state and trait anxiety was also assessed with the use of STAI questionnaire.

Results:
All the patients were characterized by a medium to high level of anxiety as personality trait. In response to electrical storm two groups were found: a high- and medium-level of anxiety group. In the high-level of anxiety group, the statements had anxious and/or depressive characteristics, while in the medium-level of anxiety group the statements indicated an acceptance of the ICD treatment.

Conclusions:
The main result of the analysis is the distinction of two theme groups identified on the basis of the statements concerning the electric storm experience. In the high-level of anxiety group, lack of acceptance of this method of treatment and anxious statements were found more often, whereas the statements of the medium-level of anxiety group presented better adaptation.