Mental Health and Interoceptive Sensibility in Inherited Cardiovascular Conditions: A Clinical Investigation of Psychological and Behavioural Correlates
摘要
Integrated care models that address both the physical and psychological needs of patients with inherited cardiovascular conditions (ICCs) are increasingly recommended to support patient well-being. While existing research has highlighted elevated psychiatric symptomatology in ICCs, prior studies have typically relied on limited psychometric assessments. This study aimed to extend this literature by employing a broader, multi-dimensional approach to assess psychiatric symptoms and interoceptive sensibility in this patient population.
MethodA hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted at a national referral centre, involving 101 ICC patients (48.5% females; Mage = 47.3, SD = 11.1), who completed psychometric assessments. The main psychological domains screened through multiple scales were depression, anxiety, perceived stress, and interoception (PHQ9, GAD7, SCL-90R, MAIA-2).
ResultsThe study found significantly higher rates of self-reported depression (24.7%) and anxiety (29.7%) symptomatology in ICC patients compared to general population norms (p < 0.001). Elevated perceived stress levels were reported by 67.3% of the sample, along with higher levels of somatization and paranoid ideation (all p < 0.001). Patients also showed increased interoceptive sensibility, including heightened awareness of body sensations (p = 0.002), greater body listening (p < 0.001), and difficulty regulating unpleasant body sensations (p = 0.017). Exploratory analyses indicated that psychological distress was more pronounced among women and those reporting poor sleep or limited physical activity.
ConclusionThese findings are consistent with prior evidence suggesting a psychological vulnerability in ICC patients and underscore the importance of considering interoceptive and mental health factors in care planning. Due to the cross-sectional and self-report nature of the study, longitudinal and clinical research is needed to clarify underlying mechanisms.