Psychiatric Disorder in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome-Hypermobility Type

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome-hypermobility type (EDS-HT) are disorders that have a strong association and share a relationship with some mental illnesses. Both are commonly misdiagnosed as mental disorders possibly because they share a similar phenomenology to some. There is limited awareness and recognition of POTS and EDS-HT, which subsequently delays diagnosis. The presence of an underlying mental disorder can complicate the diagnosis and management of an already challenging case, which can cause further strain to patients and their loved ones whose lives have already been destabilized significantly. National support groups have been established to support during the stressful periods of diagnosis and adjustment. In this article, the evidence for the various mental disorders that have been linked to POTS and EDS-HT is reviewed, while highlighting the need to satisfactorily screen for mental disorders in this patient group.’ ‹