Psychology and Dysautonomia
Written by Michelle Roger, former licensed Neuropsychologist in Melbourne, Australia, and current dysautonomia patient.
Introduction
Most patients with Dysautonomia, at one time or another, have been told that the symptoms they were experiencing were all in their head. Diagnoses such as Anxiety disorders, Depression, Conversion or Somatoform disorders, and even Bipolar disorder are haphazardly applied to patients when no clear aetiology can be discovered to explain their symptoms. Normal reactions to abnormal situations, and purely medical/physiological symptoms are over-pathologised or misdiagnosed with alarming regularity, and to the detriment of the patient.
When unfounded, these diagnoses leave a mark on the patient, a wound which if left untended will follow and influence all future relationships with their medical professionals. It also leaves a glaring mark on medical records that will be incorporated into future investigations and the overall diagnostic process. Even when unsubstantiated or proven to be untrue following psychological assessment, it can prove extremely difficult to remove such diagnoses from a patient's medical file.
Current medical studies and publications have shown statistically that Dysautonomia patients, and specifically Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) patients, experience anxiety and other psychological disorder at no greater incidence than the general population.(1,6,7) It is important to refrain from diagnosing patients prematurely with these disorders before they are evaluated by a Mental Health Professional, either a Psychiatrist or Psychologist.
Comorbidity
According to Svetlana Blitshteyn, Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurology State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, “As a symptom, anxiety can occur in a number of common medical conditions. Furthermore, anxiety can be directly caused by various physiologic factors, such as hypoglycemia, hypoxia, hypercapnia, hypovolemia and hypoperfusion. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that patients with POTS, a disorder that is characterized by hypovolemia, orthostatic cerebral hypoperfusion and excessive rise in standing plasma norepinephrine, may experience anxiety among many other symptoms.” (1)
It is important to note that the overreaction of the Sympathetic Nervous System is common in Dysautonomia and POTS patients, and often is a response to stimuli that does not involve a mental component. This makes teasing out what is true mental anxiety versus a physiological reaction, such as is explained by Dr. Blitshteyn, more difficult than with other diseases and disorders of a different aetiology. According to Raj, et al, “Peripheral plasma norepinephrine (NE) is frequently raised in patients with POTS, particularly when upright, and many clinical features of POTS such as tachycardia, palpitations, shortness of breath, chest discomfort and tremor mimic the hyperadrenergic features of a panic attack.” (2)
This is not to say that Dysautonomia/POTS patients cannot experience comorbid psychiatric or medical conditions. To think otherwise does a disservice to patients. Just as a person can have both Bipolar disorder and Asthma, or Diabetes and heart disease, so patients can have Dysautonomia and Clinical Depression, as they are not mutually exclusive. To ignore genuine psychiatric conditions or stressors is to deny patients effective treatment that may alleviate some of their symptoms, something known in medicine as excess disability.
This in no way suggests that Dysautonomia is a psychiatric diagnosis or that it has a psychiatric component. In fact, as previously stated, recent evidence strongly suggests that patients with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS; the most common form of Dysautonomia) experience levels of anxiety comparable or less than the general population when ANS symptoms are correctly accounted for.(6,7) However, given the high rates of Anxiety disorders (in any one year 2,000,000 Australians will experience an anxiety disorder) and Depression (in any one year 1,000,000Australians will experience depression) in the general community it would be equally inappropriate for clinicians and patients alike to ignore their symptoms, or instantly attribute them to Dysautonomia (comparable figures are available for most Western countries). Studies also suggest a strong link between emotional stress and chronic physical illness (asthma, cancer, heart disease etc as high as 28%) due to the emotional, psychological and social difficulties patients with these conditions face. In fact, in a recent large scale study of cancer and depression, up to 49% of patients were found to be depressed. (8)
Stigma
There is a still significant stigma with the wider community associated with mental health issues. Adding to this, many patients have had their physical symptoms dismissed as purely psychological by medical professions unfamiliar with Dysautonomia. It is not then surprising when patients are reluctant to seek help or even mention any symptoms that may be interpreted as psychological in nature. This creates a potentially detrimental environment for patients whereby they may be living with high levels of excess disability, not related to their physical symptoms, which may be relieved or at least partially ameliorated with appropriate medications and therapies.
Psychiatric Diagnosis vs Normal Behaviour in an
Abnormal Situation
One of the main reasons Dysautonomia symptoms may be dismissed as psychiatric in origin is that many medical professions are unfamiliar with the differentiation between reactive depression and anxiety and Clinical Depression and Anxiety disorders. It is only normal for a patient with a misunderstood chronic illness to feel depressed at times. These diagnoses are life changing. People lose their identity and sense of self. Relationships change or end, careers end, independence is lost, it can be overwhelming at times and patients frequently enter into a specific, and often repetitive, grieving process. Similarly, anxiety symptoms are to be expected in a disorder marked by unpredictability and fluctuating symptoms. Patients are left wondering when the next faint will come, or will they be able to go to the shops alone? Will they make it through a school concert? Will they be able to attend a party without throwing up? These emotions and thoughts are an understandable and a normal reaction to confronting an uncertain situation.
Diagnostic Methods and Co-Occuring Medications
There are specific criteria that need to be met before a clinical diagnosis of either an Anxiety disorder eg, Panic Disorder, Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are met. Similarly, Clinical Depression has specific markers which are required for diagnosis. These diagnoses cannot be made in a 10 minute ER consultation, nor are these diagnoses the province of Neurology or Cardiology. These diagnoses require lengthy assessment and review, including the ruling out of medical conditions that can cause these symptoms. Just as you would not seek out a cardiologist to diagnose Parkinson's disease, conversely you would not expect them to diagnose a patient with Clinical Depression. This is not to suggest that these specialities are lacking or incompetent, it is simply the fact that they have a very different area of expertise. If a specialist suspects a psychiatric component is at play they must refer to an appropriate specialist, either a Psychologist or Psychiatrist. As much as many patients feel slighted when such a referral is made, it is, in fact, a sign of a good practitioner. Dysautonomia should be treated from a holistic position and referrals then made to any specialist area that may be contributing to a patient's presentation, either to confirm or rule out that factor.
Confusion can also occur given that traditional psychiatric drugs such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) have proven useful in the treatment of certain Dysautonomia symptoms. Knowledge that a drug such as Clonidine, which is used in the treatment of Panic Disorder, is also highly useful in the treatment of the high blood pressure associated with Hyperadrenergic POTS, is vital for medical and lay people alike, to dispel myths about psychiatric aetiology.
Although there are some medical professionals eager to suspect psychological aetiologies, especially in female patients, many are simply baffled by a patients’ presentation which fails to meet normal disease parameters. Patients often present with a myriad of vague symptoms and standard medical testing often returns normal results.(2,3,5) It behoves practitioners to look beyond the standard testing, when these patients present, and attempt to rule out less common disorders. The medical philosophy of "when you hear hoof beats suspect horses, not zebras," is one that perpetuates illness and increases diagnostic timelines. The reality is that many patients are zebras, and it is only through a dedicated effort that many will be diagnosed. It is often only through strong self-advocacy that many patients eventually find a diagnosis. Sadly, for some, the effort and support required to successfully self-advocate is not present, and for these patients a diagnosis of Depression or an Anxiety disorder may persist and appropriate treatment will remain elusive.
Role of Psychology
A Psychiatrist or Psychologist undertakes lengthy training to differentiate psychological from physical symptomatology, and how the two can interact to create a presentation. What may seem abnormal behaviour to one doctor may in fact be normal and understandable when accurate psychological assessment is undertaken by an appropriately trained professional.
A Psychologist or Psychiatrist cannot cure Dysautonomia, but they can help a patient navigate the difficult emotional, psychological and social changes that occur as a normal part of living with a chronic illness. Just as we need to take care of our physical health and use a variety of strategies, such as medication, exercise, diet, lifestyle modification, we also need to take care of our mental health to help in dealing with personal issues as they arise. Patients are faced with changes and challenges every day. Self-image and self-esteem are challenged regularly. Without guidance and support this can be overwhelming. Having a trained professional to discuss these issues in confidence is vital for many. To know that thoughts and emotions are a normal reaction to an abnormal situation or to give a reality check when a patient is catastrophising is essential. Treating the whole patient means teaching ways to deal with stress, personal relations, disappointment and fear, particularly when the medical condition that is creating these issues is not going to disappear, and may be around for many years, or even permanently. Sometimes just to have an independent sounding board to discuss these issues can provide patients with a much needed relief. To seek this help is not a sign of weakness and it does not negate the central physiological component of the presentation. It is simply patients arming themselves with yet another tool to deal with a life changing and complex illness.
Finding the Right Psychologist
For some patients their experience with a psychologist or therapist in the past has been unhelpful, or even for some may have been negative, and they are reluctant to seek another. The reality is that like every profession, there are practitioners with different skill levels. Depending on which area they have specialised in, some psychologists may never have dealt with patients experiencing chronic illness. Psychologists with experience in rehabilitation, pain management, health psychology and chronic conditions will be most experienced in dealing with the issues that arise from chronic illness and the life issues patients’ face. Specific knowledge of Dysautonomia is not necessary to the process, and most therapists will research their patients’ conditions to better understand what they are facing. Most Western countries have a professional registration body for psychologists. Patients can contact these boards to find a psychologist with the appropriate training for their condition, in their location, and in some cases, who provide free or subsidised psychological services.
Patients should not be afraid to ask a psychologist about their training and experience. They are required to be open regarding their professional credentials, experience and the techniques they use. Similarly, it is appropriate to tell a psychologist when the experience is not working. In some cases, with an honest discussion, issues can be worked through, and sometimes the patient simply has to end the relationship and find another therapist. Rapport is vital and without this, a therapeutic relationship may be impossible. It is simply a fact of life that patients will not always 'click' with certain people. Whilst that may not be as important with your surgeon, whose surgical skills are of primary importance, with psychologist/patient relationships trust and rapport are vital. This cannot always be accomplished for many reasons on both sides of the couch. But when trust and rapport come together, the therapeutic relationship can be very successful and provide great help to patients living with a significant amount of stress day-to-day.
Where to go from here?
The reality is that the ANS is highly susceptible to stress. Many symptoms of Dysautonomia are the same as those involved in diagnoses such as GAD, and stress and anxiety can make Dysautonomia symptoms worse.(1-7) It is therefore highly important to pull apart these symptoms and discern which are related to Dysautonomia, which to psychological factors, and which are intertwined. Just as in the general community, not all patients will experience psychological stress or have symptoms that reach a clinical level. However for those that do, it is important that they are supported to get the help they need rather than be too embarrassed or fearful to seek treatment. Teaching patients to identify the difference and treat each appropriately (for example, using a beta blocker for tachycardia and breathing exercises for stress relief) is vital. It is important to understand that psychiatric illness can occur co-morbidly with Dysautonomia. To ignore this factor may, for some patients, deny them vital treatment. Psychological therapies can be useful to help patients cope with the ups and downs of life with chronic illness. Education is key, for both medical professionals and patients alike. The need to increase knowledge in general medicine of the role of the ANS in physical and psychological illness, how they differ and how they can interact is vital to better and appropriate patient experiences. As is the ability to differentiate between normal emotional reactions to the stress of illness and when these cross over to psychiatric conditions requiring specialist diagnosis and care.
To deny that some Dysautonomia patients may have a comorbid psychiatric illness or significant stress is just as damaging as attributing, or sometimes dismissing, all symptoms to a psychiatric aetiology. Somehow both patients and medical professionals need to find a middle ground, and only through continuing education and continuing liaison can we do this. Both groups have responsibility to change this situation.
Medical Professionals:
-understand the difference between normal emotions and behaviours and clinical psychiatric diagnoses. Refer to the appropriate specialist as necessary.
-understand the damage that can be caused by flippant or unsupported psychiatric diagnoses.
-understand that it is possible to report on a patients mood and affect without the leap to a psychiatric diagnosis.
-understand that many patients will come with these negative experiences and they will colour and influence their interactions.
-understand that psychology can be an important tool to aid their patients in coping with a difficult chronic illness, not just for diagnostic purposes.
-understand that Dysautonomia in all its forms is not a psychiatric diagnosis and is a recognised measurable physiological dysfunction, due to multiple, complex aetiologies. (See medical literature sources at the end of this article)
Patients:
-understand that the majority of medical professionals care and want the best for their patients.
-understand that most do not receive a comprehensive education on the ANS.
-understand that sometimes, we as patients need to educate our doctors.
-understand that many medical professionals do not understand the diagnostic criteria required for psychiatric diagnoses.
-understand that it's okay to ask for a second opinion or further testing. Especially if you are not improving or not happy with your diagnosis.
-understand that we too come to these interactions coloured by our previous and often negative experience. At times there may be a clear disconnect between the doctors intentions and our perceptions.
-always try to come to a new appointment with a fresh mind. Sometimes we can be pleasantly surprised.
-understand that psychology can be a useful tool in coping with stress of living with chronic illness.
Essentially, it is a two-way street that we all must learn to navigate. Education, patience, and sometimes a thick skin are essential.
Conclusion
Dysautonomia is not a psychological illness. This is now supported by numerous studies which demonstrate no link between Dysautonomia and diagnoses such as anxiety and depression. (1-7) It occurs no more frequently in the Dysautonomia/POTS population than in the population at large.(7) Psychology and psychiatry can play an important part in the diagnosis and treatment of Dysautonomia. They can be used to exclude psychiatric diagnoses during initial hypothesis/diagnostic testing process.(3) Similarly, they can be part of the holistic treatment process, be it to treat comorbid psychiatric conditions or teaching patients the tools to deal with the emotional, psychological and social consequences of living with an unpredictable and often confusing chronic illness. The identification, treatment, and resolution of as much excess disability as possible is vital to effective treatment of any chronic illness. This in no way suggests that Dysautonomia is a psychological illness, although the experience of living with such an illness can create understandable substantial life stress. We need to see beyond the stigma and misunderstanding and view psychology as a possible useful treatment for some patients. Just like the shower chair can keep you upright in the shower, a psychologist may help you stay upright and moving through the challenges chronic illness creates each day.
-Michelle
Links:
Australian Psychological Society
American Psychological Society
Canadian Psychological Society
British Psychological Society
Written by Michelle Roger, with contributions by Claire Martin.
Prior to Dysautonomia causing her to retire early, Michelle Roger was a Neuropsychologist in geriatric and neurological rehabilitation center in Melbourne, Australia. She has first-hand experience as both a licensed Medical Professional in the field of Psychology, and a Dysautonomia patient. She now hosts a popular blog, Living With Bob (Dysautonomia), where you can find more of her writing. Her publications have also been featured on ABC News Ramp Up, and numerous blogs and websites.