Autonomic Hyperactivity: A Review
Autonomic hyperactivity (AH) is a medical condition characterized by excessive sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. This condition can manifest as a variety of symptoms, including tachycardia, palpitations, sweating, tremors, and chest pain. AH is commonly seen in patients with anxiety disorders, particularly generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder (PD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is also associated with other mental and physical illnesses, including depression, cardiovascular disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia. Here, we review the current understanding of AH, its diagnosis, and potential treatments.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of AH is based on a combination of symptoms, laboratory tests, and other tests. Symptoms of AH include tachycardia, palpitations, sweating, tremors, and chest pain. Laboratory tests may include a complete blood count, thyroid function tests, and markers of inflammation. Other tests used to diagnose AH include echocardiography, cardiac stress testing, and electrocardiography.
Treatment
Treatment of AH typically includes lifestyle changes and medications. Lifestyle modifications, such as exercise, stress reduction, and dietary changes, can help reduce the symptoms of AH. Medications used to treat AH include beta-blockers, which block the sympathetic nervous system, and antianxiety medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). In some cases, psychotherapy may be beneficial in managing AH.
Conclusion
AH is a medical condition characterized by excessive sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. It is commonly seen in patients with anxiety disorders, particularly GAD, PD, and PTSD. AH is diagnosed based on a combination of symptoms, laboratory tests, and other tests. Treatment of AH typically includes lifestyle modifications and medications, such as beta-blockers and SSRIs. In some cases, psychotherapy may be beneficial in managing AH.
References
Ebert, D., & Schuster, T. (2019). Autonomic hyperactivity: Clinical features and rational management. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry, 93, 170-179. doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.04.003
Kamal, A., & Lee, E. (2020). Autonomic hyperactivity in anxiety and related disorders: A review. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 11, 599. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00599
Mancini, M. B., & Taylor, J. A. (2019). Autonomic hyperactivity in anxiety disorders: Review and clinical implications. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 32(2), 122-127. doi:10.1097/YCO.0000000000000496