Work

Coincidence of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia and panic disorder: two case reports

Year: 2010

Type: article

Abstract: Panic disorder (PD) is characterised by sudden attacks of intense fear with somatic symptoms including palpitations and tachycardia. Reciprocally, palpitations caused by paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) are commonly associated with anxiety and may therefore be misdiagnosed as PD. As demonstrated by two case reports, PSVT and PD can occur comorbidly in a chronological sequence, with PSVT possibly precipitating and maintaining PD via interoceptive processes or, alternatively, with PD increasing the risk for PSVT by elevating stress levels. As both PSVT and PD require different treatments, potentially helpful differential clinical diagnostic criteria are proposed.

Source: Annals of General Psychiatry

DOI: 10.1186/1744-859x-9-13

Authors: Katharina Domschke, Paulus Kirchhof, Peter Zwanzger, Alexander L Gerlach, Günter Breithardt, Jürgen Deckert

Institutions: University of Münster, Atrial Fibrillation NETwork, University of Würzburg

Language: English

Topic: Cardiac Arrhythmias and Treatments

Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,090