TITLE:
A Cognitive Behavioural Intervention for the Treatment of Vasovagal and Unexplained Syncope
AUTHORS:
France Bedard, Andre Marchand, Teresa Kus, Bernard Thibault, Bianca D’Antono
KEYWORDS:
Syncope, Cognitive Behavioural Intervention, Psychological Distress, Functional Status
JOURNAL NAME:
International Journal of Clinical Medicine,
Vol.5 No.10,
May
23,
2014
ABSTRACT: Vasovagal syncope
and unexplained syncope are the most commonly observed types of syncope in
outpatient and hospital settings. Medical interventions usually target at the
physiological mechanisms responsible for loss of consciousness in an attempt to
limit the frequency of recurrences. However, this type of intervention does not
take into account the psychological and functional impact of syncope, nor the
importance of psychological variables in triggering and maintaining syncope. In
the present pilot study, four participants presenting significant psychological
distress and recurrent syncope were treated using a multimodal intervention
targeting at both the medical and psychological aspects of the problem. Results
showed a significant reduction in the frequency of syncope/presyncope, in the
level of emotional distress experienced, as well as improved functional status
in three of the four participants. Several recommendations are made to medical
practitioners and psychologists, in view of identifying patients likely to
benefit from this type of intervention or components thereof.