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Abstract

This controlled pilot study explored the effects of biofeedback assisted relaxation (BFRT) in neurocardiogenic syncope. Twenty-two patients who completed a 2-week pretest, were randomized to either treatment or wait list control, followed by a 2-week posttreatment/control period. Treatment comprised electromyograph and thermal biofeedback, autogenic and progressive relaxation, and symptom-specific recommendations. Significant differences (p < .05) between groups were observed in the headache index and loss of consciousness, favoring the BFRT group. Both groups decreased state anxiety and depression. The Millon Behavioral Health Inventory was used to assess patients' coping style and adjustment to illness. The majority of the adult participants evidenced illness overreaction, preoccupation with illness, depressive feelings, and tendencies to nonadherence to therapy. BFRT is of potential benefit to patients with neurocardiogenic syncope, but further study is necessary to define the influence of coping style on outcome.

A Cognitive Behavioural Intervention for the Treatment of Vasovagal and Unexplained Syncope

“…To our knowledge, no study reviewed in the literature has measured the clinical impact of the intervention strategies used to relieve psychological distress and improve global functioning across different domains of functioning in the patients [23]. These studies have typically focused on evaluating the number of syncope and presyncope before and after treatment and, in a few cases, evaluated the functioning of participants based on whether or not they returned to work/school after treatment [23] [29] [30] [43]. Our study is innovative in that it examines the evolution across time of several difficulties associated with the recurrence of fainting episodes, namely hypervigilance, worries and avoidance behaviours.…”