[Cardiac neuroses]

U Simson1, K Martin, P L Janssen

  • 1Abteilung für Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinik, Dortmund.

Versicherungsmedizin
|September 14, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Cardiac neurosis involves heart symptoms without a physical cause, affecting up to 40% of patients with cardiovascular issues. Treatment combines medication and psychotherapy for these functional heart complaints.

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry and Cardiology
  • Psychosomatic Medicine

Context:

  • Cardiac neurosis, also known as cardiac anxiety disorder, presents as heart complaints with no identifiable organic cause.
  • It is estimated that 30-40% of patients presenting with cardiovascular disorders may actually have functional complaints.
  • Associated terms include cardiac phobia and somatoform autonomous functional disorders of the cardiovascular system (ICD-10).

Purpose:

  • To define cardiac neurosis and its prevalence.
  • To explore the underlying psychological factors contributing to its development.
  • To outline current treatment approaches for cardiac neurosis.

Summary:

  • Cardiac neurosis is characterized by heart symptoms lacking an organic basis, often linked to childhood developmental issues and autonomy conflicts.
  • Despite being underdiagnosed, functional heart complaints are prevalent, potentially affecting a significant portion of individuals seeking cardiac care.
  • Therapeutic interventions typically involve a combination of pharmacological agents and psychotherapeutic strategies.

Impact:

  • Highlights the importance of considering psychological factors in cardiovascular symptom assessment.
  • Emphasizes the need for accurate diagnosis to differentiate functional complaints from organic heart disease.
  • Underscores the potential for effective treatment through integrated medical and psychological care.

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