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Research progress in diagnosis and treatment of psychogenic pseudosyncope in children

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 January 2025

Zifeng Huang
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatric Cardiovasology, Children’s Medical Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
Yi Xu
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatric Cardiovasology, Children’s Medical Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
Shuo Wang
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
Yuwen Wang
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatric Cardiovasology, Children’s Medical Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
Hong Cai
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatric Cardiovasology, Children’s Medical Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
Runmei Zou
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatric Cardiovasology, Children’s Medical Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
Cheng Wang*
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatric Cardiovasology, Children’s Medical Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
*
Corresponding author: Cheng Wang; Email: wangcheng2nd@csu.edu.cn

Abstract

Psychogenic pseudosyncope is one of the primary causes of transient loss of consciousness in children and adolescents, essentially classified as a conversion disorder that significantly impacts patients’ quality of life. Clinically, psychogenic pseudosyncope shares certain similarities with vasovagal syncope in terms of pre-syncope symptoms and triggers, making it sometimes difficult to differentiate and easily misdiagnosed. Therefore, placing emphasis upon the characteristics of psychogenic pseudosyncope is crucial for early identification and treatment, which holds significant importance for the mental and psychological health of children and adolescents. In the present review, we aimed to address psychogenic pseudosyncope with clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment.

Type
Review
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press

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