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Globus hystericus syndrome responsive to antidepressants
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|July 1, 1986
Summary
Globus hystericus, a condition causing a sensation of a lump in the throat, improved in three patients treated with antidepressant medication. This suggests a link between globus hystericus and major depression, warranting further investigation into treatment options.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Neurology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Globus hystericus is characterized by a persistent sensation of throat tightness or a lump.
- Its etiology is often unclear, with psychological factors frequently implicated.
Observation:
- Three patients diagnosed with globus hystericus were treated with antidepressant pharmacotherapy.
- These patients experienced a significant alleviation of their globus symptoms following treatment.
Findings:
- The positive response to antidepressants suggests a potential underlying mood disorder, such as major depression, in some globus hystericus cases.
- This highlights the importance of considering psychiatric comorbidities in the differential diagnosis.
Implications:
- Antidepressant medication may represent a viable treatment option for specific patient profiles experiencing globus hystericus.
- Further research is warranted to explore the neurobiological and psychological underpinnings of globus hystericus and its response to psychiatric interventions.