Management of Psychiatric Conditions in Patients With Comorbid Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome: A Literature Review and Case Vignette.

Importance: Disorders of the autonomic nervous system are relatively common and have a significant impact on quality of life, offer very subtle diagnostic clues, and often mimic other disease processes, including certain psychiatric disorders. Pharmacologic treatment for psychiatric conditions in this group of patients can also be complicated by the pathophysiology of the various syndromes. Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is the final common pathway of a heterogenous group of underlying disorders that display similar characteristics.Observations: The current literature regarding the association between POTS and psychiatric conditions was reviewed. The literature showed an increased prevalence of mild/moderate depression and sleep disturbance in this population. Also, when psychiatric disorders occur in patients with POTS, clinicians may face challenges with regard to selecting appropriate psychopharmacologic interventions.Conclusions and Relevance: This review provides an evidence-based approach to treating common psychiatric conditions in those who suffer from POTS, with a particular emphasis on side effects that may worsen the associated symptoms. A list of the classes of psychopharmacologic treatment with a focus on adverse effects on heart rate and blood pressure is included, as is a case vignette of a patient with complex comorbid psychiatric conditions. It is of significant value to highlight the complexities associated with POTS; to raise awareness of the disorder, particularly in the context of psychiatric comorbidities; and to disseminate evidence-based information to aid clinicians in making informed medication choices with their patients.

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome: pathophysiology, management, and experimental therapies.

INTRODUCTION: Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is an increasingly well-recognized condition encountered in clinical practice. Diagnosis and treatment remain extremely challenging. The limited success of currently available therapies has laid the foundation for a number of experimental therapies. AREAS COVERED: In this review, we will briefly outline the pathophysiology and clinical features of this syndrome, before moving on to its management, with a specific focus on experimental pharmacological therapies. Finally, we briefly discuss POTS related to the SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic. EXPERT OPINION: Despite tremendous advances, the diagnosis and management of POTS remains extremely challenging. The multitude of contributory mechanisms, which predominate to varying degrees in different patients further complicates management. Improved characterization of pathophysiological phenotypes is essential to individualize management. Lifestyle measures form the first line of therapy, followed by beta-blockers, ivabradine, fludrocortisone, and midodrine. Supplemental therapies such as iron, vitamin D and α lipoic acid are quite safe and a trial of their use is reasonable. The use of erythropoietin, IVIG, desmopressin, etc., are more specialized and nuanced alternatives. In recent years, interest has grown in the use of cardiac neuromodulation. Though preliminary, some of these therapies are quite promising.

COVID-19-induced postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome treated with ivabradine.

A 22-year-old woman was referred with exertional dyspnoea and chest tightness 3 weeks following a diagnosis of COVID-19. Evaluation revealed a resting sinus tachycardia and criteria for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome were met. After non-pharmacological interventions failed to yield symptomatic improvement, ivabradine was commenced. This intervention was followed by a substantial improvement in the patient's exercise tolerance and energy levels and an objective reduction in supine and standing heart rate.