A Cognitive Behavioural Intervention for the Treatment of Vasovagal and Unexplained Syncope — Oak Academic Publishing
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A Cognitive Behavioural Intervention for the Treatment of Vasovagal and Unexplained Syncope
Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Canada Psychology Department, University of Quebec in Montreal, Montreal, Canada
,
Psychology Department, University of Quebec in Montreal, Montreal, Canada Research Center of Montreal of Mental health University Institute, Montreal, Canada
,
Cardiology Department, H?pital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
,
Electrophysiology Service, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Canada
,
Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Canada Psychology Department, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
1 Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Canada Psychology Department, University of Quebec in Montreal, Montreal, Canada
2 Psychology Department, University of Quebec in Montreal, Montreal, Canada Research Center of Montreal of Mental health University Institute, Montreal, Canada
3 Cardiology Department, H?pital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
4 Electrophysiology Service, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Canada
5 Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Canada Psychology Department, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
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.
KeywordsSyncopeCognitive Behavioural InterventionPsychological DistressFunctional Status
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