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Vestibular testing in patients with panic disorder and chronic dizziness
R Teggi1, D Caldirola, S Bondi
1ENT Department, IRRCS San Raffaele Hospital, Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy. teggi.roberto@hsr.it
Summary
Patients with panic disorder experiencing chronic dizziness often have vestibular system dysfunction. This study found significantly more vestibular abnormalities in panic disorder patients, suggesting a link between vestibular disorders and panic disorder pathophysiology.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Otolaryngology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Chronic dizziness is a common complaint.
- Panic disorder is a psychiatric condition characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks.
- The relationship between vestibular function and panic disorder is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between chronic dizziness and vestibular function in patients with panic disorder.
- To compare neurotologic findings in patients with panic disorder and chronic dizziness versus those with chronic dizziness alone.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 15 patients with panic disorder and chronic dizziness, and 15 patients with chronic dizziness without panic disorder.
- Neurotologic screening including tests for nystagmus (spontaneous, positional, positioning, head-shaking, head-thrust).
- Audiometric examination and electronystagmography with bithermal stimulation.
Main Results:
- Significantly more patients with panic disorder and chronic dizziness exhibited pathological neurotologic findings (9/15) compared to the control group (2/15; p < 0.05).
- The majority of panic disorder patients demonstrated signs indicative of peripheral vestibular disorders.
- These findings suggest a higher prevalence of vestibular abnormalities in individuals with panic disorder and chronic dizziness.
Conclusions:
- The complaint of dizziness in panic disorder patients may stem from vestibular system malfunction.
- Vestibular disorders could play a role in the underlying pathophysiology of panic disorder.
- Neurotologic evaluation is recommended for patients with panic disorder experiencing chronic dizziness.
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