Fits, faints and funny turns. Could it be a mental disorder?

BACKGROUND

Patients who present to primary care with symptoms of fainting and dizziness, for which there is no adequate physical explanation, are frequently suffering from an undiagnosed psychiatric disorder.

OBJECTIVE

This article aims to improve the recognition of common mental disorders presenting as 'fits, faints and funny turns' (FFFTs) and to encourage general practitioners to view these disorders as a positive diagnosis in need of treatment.

DISCUSSION

Psychiatric disorders, particularly panic attacks and depression, are common in the setting of FFFTs and should be a positive diagnosis rather than a diagnosis of exclusion. A detailed description of the episode, with corroborating information from a witness if possible, and psychiatric rating scales can assist in this process. Identifying a physical cause for the episode does not exclude a psychiatric diagnosis and vice versa. Specific psychological and pharmacological therapies are effective for anxiety and depression.