Psychological correlates of patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)

Auton Neurosci. 2020 Sep:227:102690. doi: 10.1016/j.autneu.2020.102690. Epub 2020 Jun 6.

Abstract

Psychological symptoms are frequently reported in patients with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS); however, the nature of these symptoms is not well understood. The current study described baseline psychological symptoms in patients with POTS, and examined associations between psychological and self-report autonomic symptoms. Participants reported mild anxiety symptoms, moderate depressive symptoms, severe somatization, and elevated anxiety sensitivity. Depressive symptoms and pain catastrophizing were significantly associated with autonomic symptoms. The current study adds to the literature by documenting elevated levels of anxiety sensitivity, and relationships between psychological and autonomic symptoms.

Keywords: Anxiety sensitivity; Depression; Mental stress; Orthostatic intolerance; Quality of life.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anxiety / psychology*
  • Catastrophization / psychology*
  • Depression / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome / physiopathology*
  • Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome / psychology*
  • Quality of Life / psychology*
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology*