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Kastell SU, Hohmann L, Holtkamp M, Berger J. Psycho-socio-clinical profiles and quality of life in seizure disorders: A cross-sectional registry study. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 136:108916. [PMID: 36179607 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This prospective study aimed at comparing quality of life (QoL) and psycho-socio-clinical profiles between patients with epilepsy, psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES), and syncope. We also intended to identify predictors of QoL in these three seizure disorders. METHODS A total of 245 inpatients (epilepsy n = 182, PNES n = 50, syncope n = 13) from a tertiary epilepsy clinic were included. Information on QoL as well as on psychological, sociodemographic, and clinical profiles was retrieved using questionnaires and medical records. Group comparisons on QoL and psycho-socio-clinical profiles were performed via analyses of variance, chi-square tests, and related post hoc tests. Predictors of QoL in epilepsy and PNES were determined using general linear modeling, which was not possible for syncope due to a small sample size. RESULTS Patients with epilepsy, PNES, and syncope reported levels of QoL impairment that did not differ significantly between groups (p = 0.266). However, there were significant group differences regarding sex distribution (p < 0.001), seizure disorder duration (p = 0.004), seizure frequency (p = 0.019), current treatment with antiseizure medications (ASM) (p < 0.001), number of current ASM (p < 0.001), and adverse ASM events (p = 0.019). More depressive symptoms (p = 0.001), more adverse ASM events (p = 0.036), and unemployment (p = 0.046) (in this order) independently predicted a diminished QoL in epilepsy. For PNES, more depressive symptoms were the only independent predictor of lower QoL (p = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS Patients with epilepsy, PNES, and syncope experience similarly diminished QoL and show a general psycho-socio-clinical burden with a specific pattern for each seizure disorder diagnosis. Although clinical aspects play an undisputed role for QoL in epilepsy, the psychosocial aspects and consequences are equally, or for PNES probably even more, meaningful. A comprehensive approach to research and treatment of seizure disorders seems mandatory to increase QoL for these patients. More research on QoL in syncope is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley-Uloma Kastell
- Epilepsy-Center Berlin-Brandenburg, Institute for Diagnostics of Epilepsy, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Königin Elisabeth Herzberge, Herzbergstraße 79, 10365 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Louisa Hohmann
- Epilepsy-Center Berlin-Brandenburg, Institute for Diagnostics of Epilepsy, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Königin Elisabeth Herzberge, Herzbergstraße 79, 10365 Berlin, Germany; Epilepsy-Center Berlin-Brandenburg, Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Martin Holtkamp
- Epilepsy-Center Berlin-Brandenburg, Institute for Diagnostics of Epilepsy, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Königin Elisabeth Herzberge, Herzbergstraße 79, 10365 Berlin, Germany; Epilepsy-Center Berlin-Brandenburg, Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Justus Berger
- Epilepsy-Center Berlin-Brandenburg, Institute for Diagnostics of Epilepsy, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Königin Elisabeth Herzberge, Herzbergstraße 79, 10365 Berlin, Germany.
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Mayuga KA, Fedorowski A, Ricci F, Gopinathannair R, Dukes JW, Gibbons C, Hanna P, Sorajja D, Chung M, Benditt D, Sheldon R, Ayache MB, AbouAssi H, Shivkumar K, Grubb BP, Hamdan MH, Stavrakis S, Singh T, Goldberger JJ, Muldowney JAS, Belham M, Kem DC, Akin C, Bruce BK, Zahka NE, Fu Q, Van Iterson EH, Raj SR, Fouad-Tarazi F, Goldstein DS, Stewart J, Olshansky B. Sinus Tachycardia: a Multidisciplinary Expert Focused Review. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2022; 15:e007960. [PMID: 36074973 PMCID: PMC9523592 DOI: 10.1161/circep.121.007960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Sinus tachycardia (ST) is ubiquitous, but its presence outside of normal physiological triggers in otherwise healthy individuals remains a commonly encountered phenomenon in medical practice. In many cases, ST can be readily explained by a current medical condition that precipitates an increase in the sinus rate, but ST at rest without physiological triggers may also represent a spectrum of normal. In other cases, ST may not have an easily explainable cause but may represent serious underlying pathology and can be associated with intolerable symptoms. The classification of ST, consideration of possible etiologies, as well as the decisions of when and how to intervene can be difficult. ST can be classified as secondary to a specific, usually treatable, medical condition (eg, pulmonary embolism, anemia, infection, or hyperthyroidism) or be related to several incompletely defined conditions (eg, inappropriate ST, postural tachycardia syndrome, mast cell disorder, or post-COVID syndrome). While cardiologists and cardiac electrophysiologists often evaluate patients with symptoms associated with persistent or paroxysmal ST, an optimal approach remains uncertain. Due to the many possible conditions associated with ST, and an overlap in medical specialists who see these patients, the inclusion of experts in different fields is essential for a more comprehensive understanding. This article is unique in that it was composed by international experts in Neurology, Psychology, Autonomic Medicine, Allergy and Immunology, Exercise Physiology, Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Endocrinology, Cardiology, and Cardiac Electrophysiology in the hope that it will facilitate a more complete understanding and thereby result in the better care of patients with ST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth A. Mayuga
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Artur Fedorowski
- Karolinska Institutet & Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fabrizio Ricci
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G.d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti Scalo, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Mina Chung
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Phoenix, AZ
| | - David Benditt
- University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN
| | | | - Mirna B. Ayache
- MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
| | - Hiba AbouAssi
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | | | | | | | | | - Tamanna Singh
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, OH
| | | | - James A. S. Muldowney
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center &Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville Campus, Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville, TN
| | - Mark Belham
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS FT, Cambridge, UK
| | - David C. Kem
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
| | - Cem Akin
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | - Nicole E. Zahka
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Qi Fu
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas & University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Erik H. Van Iterson
- Section of Preventive Cardiology & Rehabilitation, Robert and Suzanne Tomsich Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Miller Family Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic Cleveland, OH
| | - Satish R Raj
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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Alciati A, Shiffer D, Dipaola F, Barbic F, Furlan R. Psychogenic Pseudosyncope: Clinical Features, Diagnosis and Management. J Atr Fibrillation 2020; 13:2399. [PMID: 33024500 DOI: 10.4022/jafib.2399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Psychogenic Pseudosyncope (PPS) is the appearance of Transient Loss of Consciousness (TLOC) in which movements are absent, but there are no hemodynamic and electroencephalographic modifications as are induced by gravitational challenges which characterize syncope and true loss of consciousness. For younger and adult populations, a detailed history is crucial for the diagnosis. Clinical clues that should raise the suspicion for PPS include prolonged duration of the LOC, eye closure during the episode, unusual triggers, no recognizable prodromes and the high frequency of attacks. The presence of an established diagnosis of syncope should not deter from the concomitant diagnosis of PPS. The gold standard for a proper diagnosis of PPS is the documentation by a tilt test of normal hemodynamic and electroencephalographic parameters, when recorded during an attack. Treatment of PPS, based on the clear and empathetic communication of the diagnosis, can lead to an immediate reduction of attack frequency and lower the need to call on emergency services. Pharmacological treatment of associated psychiatric disorders and psychological interventions may be beneficial in patients with PPS. Cognitive-behavioural therapy holds the most reliable evidence of efficacy. In the present review, we aimed to address PPS with historical aspects, main clinical features and diagnostic tests, current diagnostic classification, underlying neurobiological abnormalities, management and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Alciati
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hermanas Hospitalarias, Villa S. Benedetto Menni Hospital, Albese con Cassano (CO), Italy
| | - Dana Shiffer
- Internal Medicine, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Franca Dipaola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Internal Medicine, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Franca Barbic
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Internal Medicine, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaello Furlan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Internal Medicine, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center-IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
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The relationship between clinical characteristics and psychological status and quality of life in patients with vasovagal syncope. North Clin Istanb 2020; 7:237-245. [PMID: 32478295 PMCID: PMC7251279 DOI: 10.14744/nci.2020.93753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Syncope is characterized by sudden and short-term loss of postural tone and consciousness. Vasovagal syncope (VVS) episode is usually self-limiting, and it may affect patients’ quality of life. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between quality of life, Beck-depression and Beck-anxiety scales and clinical characteristics of the VVS patients. METHODS: The present study included 88 patients with VVS. Tilt table test was performed to all the patients. Patients filled out the Quality of life, Beck-depression, and Beck-anxiety scale forms. Demographics, medical history, echocardiography, blood pressures, electrocardiography and physical examination findings were recorded. RESULTS: There was a significant and negative correlation between the total syncope episodes (TSE) and EQ-5D index and EQ-5D-VAS index, respectively (p<0.001, r: -0.649; p<0.001, r: -0.587). TSE was significantly and positively correlated with the Beck-anxiety scale and Beck-depression scale. EQ-5D index, EQ-5D-VAS index, Beck-depression scale, and Beck-anxiety scales were defined as an independent predictor of TSE in VVS patients. CONCLUSION: Psychological factors play an essential role in VVS patients. EQ-5D index, EQ-5D-VAS index, Beck-depression, and Beck-anxiety scales were an independent predictor of the TSE in patients with VVS.
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Alhuzaimi A, Aljohar A, Alhadi AN, Aljenedil A, Hersi AS. Psychiatric traits in patients with vasovagal and unexplained syncope. Int J Gen Med 2018; 11:99-104. [PMID: 29563829 PMCID: PMC5849387 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s157335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Syncope is a common condition affecting almost one-third of the general population. The present study measures the prevalence of psychiatric traits in patients presenting with syncope (unexplained and vasovagal) and whether recurrent attacks have an impact on psychiatric profiles. Patients and methods This is a case–control study in a tertiary hospital enrolling all patients aged ≥12 years with single or recurrent syncopal attacks. A self-reporting psychometric questionnaire (The Symptoms Checklist-90-Revised) was used to screen for depression, anxiety, somatization disorder, and phobia. Crude comparisons of average scores were done. Further, multiple logistic regression analyses were carried out to measure the impact of syncope on each psychiatric domain. The control group were matched for age, gender, and chronic illnesses with a ratio of 1:3. Results There were 43 cases and 129 control subjects, with predominance of females (67.4%) and an average age of 33.8 years (standard deviation = 16). There were no significant differences in average scores of depression (13 vs 14.53, P = 0.31), anxiety (11.3 vs 10.4, P = 0.51), or phobia (5.4 vs 5.2, P = 0.88). However, the syncope group had a higher average score for somatization disorder (18.53 vs 13.66, P = 0.002). Binary logistic regression model showed that the association between syncope and somatization disorder was independent of competing confounders (odds ratio = 3.75, 95% confidence interval: 1.72, 8.15, P = 0.001). A sub-analysis of the case group showed that patients with multiple syncopal attacks (six or more) had higher average scores of depression, anxiety, phobia, and somatization disorder compared to those who had less than six attacks. Conclusion Syncope was independently associated with somatization disorder traits. Further, recurrent syncope resulted in greater deterioration of patients’ psychiatric profiles. Thus, taking into account the psychiatric status in the management of such patients is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Alhuzaimi
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, King Fahad Cardiac Center, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Alwaleed Aljohar
- College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad N Alhadi
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,SABIC Psychological Health Research & Applications Chair (SPHRAC), College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Ahmad S Hersi
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, King Fahad Cardiac Center, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Zy ko D, Szewczuk-Bogus awska M, Kaczmarek M, Agrawal AK, Rudnicki J, Gajek J, Melander O, Sutton R, Fedorowski A. Reflex syncope, anxiety level, and family history of cardiovascular disease in young women: case-control study. Europace 2014; 17:309-13. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/euu200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Buodo G, Sarlo M, Poli S, Giada F, Madalosso M, Rossi C, Palomba D. Emotional anticipation rather than processing is altered in patients with vasovagal syncope. Clin Neurophysiol 2012; 123:1319-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2011.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2011] [Revised: 12/01/2011] [Accepted: 12/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Pallais JC, Schlozman SC, Puig A, Purcell JJ, Stern TA. Fainting, swooning, and syncope. Prim Care Companion CNS Disord 2011; 13:11f01187. [PMID: 22132356 DOI: 10.4088/pcc.11f01187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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9
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Romme JJCM, van Dijk N, Go-Schön IK, Casteelen G, Wieling W, Reitsma JB. Association between psychological complaints and recurrence of vasovagal syncope. Clin Auton Res 2011; 21:373-80. [PMID: 21547606 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-011-0125-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2011] [Accepted: 04/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Vasovagal syncope (VVS), the most common cause of transient loss of consciousness (T-LOC), is often accompanied by higher levels of psychological distress. We investigated to what extent psychological complaints interact with the effects of non-pharmacological treatment in patients with frequently recurring VVS. METHODS Patients with ≥3 episodes of VVS in the 2 years prior to the start of the study openly received non-pharmacological treatment. Before treatment initiation, we determined the level of general psychological complaints by the Symptom Checklist 90-R (SCL-90-R) questionnaire. We regularly evaluated syncopal recurrence during follow-up. We compared the SCL-90-R scores of VVS patients in our study with the corresponding scores of healthy Dutch subjects (reference population). We examined whether patients with more recurrences during follow-up had higher SCL-90-R scores at baseline and whether this association changed when adjusting for other factors associated with recurrence using logistic regression. RESULTS Total SCL-90-R scores were higher in our cohort of patients with frequent episodes of VVS than in the reference population (142 vs. 118; p < 0.001). During the first 6 months of treatment, 42% of patients experienced syncopal recurrence(s). The SCL-90-R scores of these patients were significantly higher compared with patients without syncopal recurrence in this period (160 vs. 130; p = 0.01). After adjusting for other predictors of recurrence, especially the number of episodes before inclusion, the association between SCL-90-R scores and recurrence remained intact. CONCLUSIONS Levels of general psychological complaints are higher in patients with syncopal recurrence during non-pharmacological treatment of VVS, even after adjusting for previous syncopal episodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacobus J C M Romme
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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D'Antono B, Dupuis G, St-Jean K, Lévesque K, Nadeau R, Guerra P, Thibault B, Kus T. Prospective evaluation of psychological distress and psychiatric morbidity in recurrent vasovagal and unexplained syncope. J Psychosom Res 2009; 67:213-22. [PMID: 19686877 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2009.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2008] [Revised: 12/01/2008] [Accepted: 03/20/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Syncope is experienced by a third of the population, and in the absence of cardiac pathology is most commonly of vasovagal (VVS) or unexplained origin (US). Psychiatric morbidity has been observed in up to 81% of patients with US but findings with VVS are contradictory. Little is known regarding the chronicity of their psychiatric morbidity. OBJECTIVE To determine the psychological profile of patients with recurrent syncope prior to and following diagnostic head-up tilt testing (HUT), and whether it predicts syncope recurrence. METHOD Seventy-three women and 43 men (mean age=48+/-16.6) were recruited from all consenting patients referred for HUT. Psychological status (Psychiatric Symptom Index, Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI), Fear of Blood Injury Subscale) and presence of mood/anxiety disorders (Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders) were evaluated 1 month prior to and 6 months following HUT. Follow-up data were collected for 83 patients (mean age=48+/-17.34). RESULTS At baseline, clinically significant levels of distress were observed in 60% of patients. Those with US (negative HUT) had a fivefold greater risk of suffering from a depressive or anxiety disorder compared to VVS (positive HUT) after controlling for significant covariates. There was no significant change in distress level over follow-up, although psychiatric morbidity dropped from 33% to 22% (P=.049). Syncope recurrence was predicted by elevations in baseline psychological distress (OR=1.544, P=.013) independently of lifetime number of syncopes. CONCLUSIONS Patients exhibited high levels of psychological distress and psychiatric morbidity despite reassurance and education received after HUT. Improved screening for and treatment of psychological distress in these patients is critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca D'Antono
- Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H1T 1C8.
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Flint B, Baker C, Freeston M, Newton JL. Level of psychosocial impairment predicts early response to treatment in vasovagal syncope. Europace 2008; 11:231-6. [PMID: 19059994 DOI: 10.1093/europace/eun332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate whether levels of psychosocial impairment and psychological distress at diagnosis in those with vasovagal syncope (VVS) predict subsequent response to conventional treatment. METHODS AND RESULTS This is a prospective, observational new patient cohort study, which includes consecutive patients with head-up tilt-confirmed VVS (September 2004-March 2006). Subjects completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, State and trait anxiety inventory, and an Adapted Syncope Functional Status Questionnaire at diagnosis and at 3 months. A total of 108 participants [mean (SD) age 52 (21) years, 70.4% were female] completed baseline assessments. Response status was ascertained for 103 individuals; 70 were responders and 33 non-responders. Eighty-three of 103 participants (81%) completed the follow-up questionnaires. At follow-up, compared with responders, non-responders reported higher levels of Impairment (P = 0.001), negative cognitions (P = 0.01), and depression scores (P = 0.006). At diagnosis those who ultimately did not respond to treatment reported significantly higher levels of Impairment (P < 0.001) and negative cognitions (P = 0.03). Those who did not respond to treatment were significantly more depressed (P = 0.001) with higher Trait anxiety scores (P = 0.007). Multivariate analysis confirmed increased impairment predicted poor response status (z = 9.82, P = 0.002) with participants being 3% more likely to be a non-responder with each 1% increase in self-reported level of impairment. CONCLUSION Higher levels of psychosocial impairment reliably predict non-response to treatment, suggesting that psychological factors have an important role in VVS. Screening individuals at diagnosis may enable identification of those at risk of non-response and delivery of targeted psychological interventions to reduce the impact of VVS and its sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bev Flint
- Department of Clinical Health Psychology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, UK
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Tokano T, Nakazato Y, Sasaki A, Sekita G, Yasuda M, Sumiyoshi M, Daida H. Prolonged Asystole during Head-Up Tilt Test in a Patient with Malignant Neurocardiogenic Syncope. J Arrhythm 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/s1880-4276(08)80012-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
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Gracie J, Newton JL, Norton M, Baker C, Freeston M. The role of psychological factors in response to treatment in neurocardiogenic (vasovagal) syncope. Europace 2006; 8:636-43. [PMID: 16864617 DOI: 10.1093/europace/eul073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Studies have established a link between vasovagal syncope (VVS) and anxiety, depression, and functional impairment. This study examines the prevalence of psychological problems in patients with VVS and whether non-responders are psychologically different from those whose symptoms respond to conservative treatment. METHODS AND RESULTS Subjects with tilt-confirmed VVS completed the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) (measures current levels of anxiety and depression) and the syncope functional status questionnaire (SFSQ) (syncope-specific quality-of-life measure) and participated in a semi-structured interview to ascertain potential triggers, thought content, and coping strategies. In this study, 41 subjects participated. There was no difference in gender and age duration of symptoms between responders (n=21) and non-responders (n=20). Non-responders were significantly more anxious (P=0.003) and depressed (P=0.003) and had a higher level of state (P=0.008) and trait (P=0.004) anxiety than responders. Non-responders reported more fear/worry (P=0.02), a significantly higher degree of impairment owing to syncope (P=0.01), and a greater number of perceived triggers (P=0.039); on average, participants reported eight negative thoughts about the consequences of VVS, with particular emphasis on threats of physical harm or death. Non-responders had higher levels of avoidance/protection coping and rumination. CONCLUSION This study has confirmed that patients with VVS have a significant degree of psychological distress, which is worthy of consideration in its own right, out with management purely aimed at reducing syncopal or pre-syncopal symptoms. Further, this distress may actually influence the natural history of what is a chronic relapsing condition and may in fact be more relevant to the patient than the number of syncopal episodes that they are experiencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Gracie
- Department of Psychology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle NE1 4LP, UK
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Wieling W, Colman N, Krediet CTP, Freeman R. Nonpharmacological treatment of reflex syncope. Clin Auton Res 2005; 14 Suppl 1:62-70. [PMID: 15480932 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-004-1009-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Reflex syncope is a common medical problem. Vasovagal reflex syncope is the most frequent form. Although the prognosis of the disorder is excellent, it may impose substantial changes in life style and cause profound psychological distress. Thus, management of this disorder is an important issue. This chapter, based on a review of the literature and the authors' clinical experience, encompasses the non-pharmacological measures used in the management of reflex syncope. The cornerstone of the non-pharmacological management of patients with reflex syncope is education and reassurance regarding the benign nature of the condition. Patients should be instructed to avoid potential triggers. A tilt table test can be employed to teach the patient to recognize early premonitory symptoms. There are several physical maneuvers (e. g., leg crossing, muscle tensing and squatting) that are effective in combating orthostatic intolerance. For the majority of patients this approach is adequate. Patients with frequent attacks of reflex syncope are advised to increase their dietary salt intake. Exercise training also increases orthostatic tolerance. In highly motivated patients with recurrent syncope, raising the head of the bed to permit gravitational exposure during sleep and prolonged periods of enforced maintenance of the upright posture (tilt-training) can be considered. Preliminary data suggest that water drinking may improve orthostatic tolerance. Abdominal belts may also be effective in highly symptomatic subjects with reflex syncope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter Wieling
- Dept. of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center/University of Amsterdam Room-F4 221, P.O. Box 22700, 1100 DE Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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