Psychogenic pseudosyncope – when the cardiologist gives the diagnosis, but not the treatment. case report and review of the literature

Psychogenic pseudosyncope is a state of apparent loss of consciousness, which is indistinguishable from true loss of consciousness by eyewitnesses. However, there are no hemodynamic and electroencephalographic stigmata of true syncope with real loss of consciousness. Sometimes a detailed history can raise doubts about the condition – a relatively long period of unconsciousness, unusual triggers, atypical prodromes and frequent attacks are suspicious signs, but they are far from specifi c in the population of patients presenting for differential diagnosis of syncopal episodes to the cardiologist. The gold standard for making the diagnosis is the provocation with a tilt-table test, in which psychogenic pseudosyncope is registered and simultaneously the absence of hemodynamic (and in the optimal case, electroencephalographic) signs of loss of consciousness is objectifi ed. It should be noted that the presence of psychogenic pseudosyncope does not automatically exclude the presence of true refl ex syncope in the particular patient. Treatment based primarily on a clear explanation of the condition and supportive communication with the patient can lead to a sharp reduction in the frequency of attacks. Pharmacological treatment of associated psychiatric disorders, as well as psychological support, is extremely effective. Cognitive-behavioural therapy is the most preferred approach in this patient population. In this review, we will present the diagnostic process in one patient and discuss the development of the understanding of this condition, the main clinical features and diagnostic approaches, the classifi cation and underlying pathology, as well as therapeutic methods.