[Psychophysiological correlations in paroxysmal forms of cardiac rhythm disorders]

Fifty-two patients with paroxysmal disorders of cardiac rhythm were under observation for periods of 6 months to 3 years. Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia was registered in 16, ventricular tachycardia in one, paroxysmal cardiac fibrillation in 35. The method of comprehensive examination of personality (modified MMPI test, Cattell's and Hekhausen's tests) made it possible to reveal certain characteristic features of the personality and the actual psychic condition of all patients. Treatment with modern psychotropic agents (predominantly tranquilizers) improved the course of arrhythmia considerably in most patients; a tendency to normalization of the psychic condition was noted simultaneously. The possible mechanisms of the effect of psychotropic agents on the course of arrhythmias are discussed.