The psychiatric management of the globus syndrome

Controversy surrounding the term "globus hystericus" points up the historical dichotomy between organic disease and conversion disorder that has hampered the understanding of this syndrome. Regardless of its sometimes incapacitating nature, there is little information in the literature regarding the treatment of globus when an organic cause cannot be established. Regarding the syndrome as psychosomatic in nature, rather than merely hysterical, we suggest the need for an integrated treatment approach. A case study is utilized to illustrate a model for psychiatric management of the globus syndrome. In this model, pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic interventions are integrated into a comprehensive, biopsychosocial treatment plan. Each aspect of the model is reviewed and discussed.