Experiences of living with postural tachycardia syndrome

Abstract

Objective: Postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system which involves a range of symptoms, worsened when adopting an orthostatic (upright) position. Symptoms can include tachycardia, dizziness, fainting, nausea as well as many others which, as is typical of a syndrome, vary from person to person. Although research is increasing into this condition, the unifying experiences of managing it on a daily basis have not been extensively investigated. This study aimed to capture participants' experiences of living with PoTS.

Method: A longitudinal digital ethnographic approach was employed. Eight participants recorded daily video diaries discussing their experiences of PoTS and its impact for 17 days. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was utilised to analyse the data and identify connections across participants' accounts.

Results: Four superordinate themes emerged: 'loss of control and lack of agency over body', 'identity changes', 'lack of understanding from others' and 'adapting to cope with PoTS'.

Discussion: The findings demonstrated the complex and widespread impact these participants experience from their PoTS symptoms, including the consequent emotional difficulties that result from managing this condition. An overall lack of understanding about PoTS by others was emphasised, suggesting the requirement for better education and support services for this condition.

Keywords: Postural tachycardia syndrome; autonomic dysfunction; chronic illness; dysautonomia; qualitative analysis.

Figure 1.

The seven ‘secret questions’.