Vasovagal Syncope and Unexplained Syncope: Concepts, Treatments, and Future Perspectives

Syncope (transient loss of consciousness) can lead to significant psychosocial and physical impairment and have a profound impact on the quality of life of the sufferer While infrequently attended to, a psychological perspective may have much to offer within a comprehensive treatment plan The present article reviews 26 articles that evaluate conventional (education, medication, cardiac pacemakers) and to a greater extent complementary treatments (orthostatic training applied tension psychologically oriented interventions) designed to reduce the frequency and negative consequences of vasovagal and unexplained syncope Applied tension demonstrated the greatest efficacy in reducing the frequency of vasovagal syncope However, this intervention applies only to patients who experience a prodrome prior to fainting Currently, no clinically proven treatment exists for patients with unexplained syncope or with vasovagal syncope without a prodromal phase Suggestions regarding appropriate cognitive and/or behavioural interventions are provided based on the characteristics of the patients