The major cause of cardiac mortality in the United States is sudden
cardiac death, most often the result of ventricular tachycardia-
ventricular fibrillation. Transient risk factors for sudden cardiac death
include psychiatric conditions mediated through the CNS. Major advances in
the evaluation and treatment of patients who have survived malignant
ventricular arrhythmias have been accompanied by challenging management and
therapy issues for the psychiatrist involved in the care of such patients.
The authors suggest ways to meet these challenges, especially in the care
of patients with concomitant anxiety, depression, delirium, or
psychosis.Abstract Teaser