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Psychiatric conditions in patients with recurrent unexplained syncope
1Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany. ventura@uke.uni-hamburg.de
Summary
Psychiatric disorders are common in patients with recurrent unexplained syncope. Treatment for these conditions significantly reduced syncope events, highlighting the importance of psychiatric care.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychiatry
- Neurology
Background:
- The link between syncope and psychiatric disorders is understudied.
- Recurrent unexplained syncope presents a diagnostic challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in patients with recurrent unexplained syncope.
- To assess the prognostic outcome of psychiatric treatment in these patients.
Main Methods:
- A psychiatric evaluation was offered to 50 patients with recurrent syncope after standard work-up.
- Patients were followed for 6 months to assess syncope recurrence based on psychiatric treatment acceptance.
Main Results:
- A psychiatric disorder was diagnosed in 81% of patients who accepted evaluation (n=21).
- Depression, panic attacks, general anxiety, and somatization disorder were common diagnoses.
- No syncope recurrence was observed in the four patients who accepted psychiatric care, while all untreated patients experienced recurrent syncope.
Conclusions:
- Psychiatric alterations are frequent in patients with recurrent unexplained syncope.
- Patient acceptance of psychiatric evaluation and treatment remains low.
- Psychiatric care appears to be effective in preventing syncope recurrence.