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Dysequilibrium and audiovestibular function in panic disorder: symptom profiles and test findings.
D A Sklare1, M B Stein, A M Pikus
1National Institute on Deafness, and Other Communication Disorders, Division of Communicative Sciences & Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892.
The American Journal of Otology
|September 1, 1990
Summary
Panic disorder patients often experience dizziness. Vestibular testing revealed abnormalities in 71% of patients, correlating with higher anxiety levels, suggesting audiovestibular function evaluation is warranted.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Panic disorder is frequently associated with dizziness and imbalance.
- The relationship between audiovestibular function and panic disorder symptoms is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the link between objective audiovestibular function measures and subjective reports of dysequilibrium in panic disorder patients.
- To determine the prevalence of vestibular abnormalities in panic disorder patients, with or without agoraphobia.
Main Methods:
- Seventeen patients with panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia) were assessed.
- Objective audiovestibular function was evaluated using electronystagmography.
- Phenomenologic and self-report measures of dysequilibrium and somatic symptoms were collected.
Main Results:
- 71% of evaluated patients showed abnormal findings on vestibular tests.
- Patients with abnormal vestibular test results reported higher overall anxiety ratings.
- A significant portion of panic disorder patients exhibit objective audiovestibular dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- Panic disorder patients frequently present with underlying audiovestibular abnormalities.
- Evaluation of audiovestibular function should be considered in the comprehensive assessment of panic disorder.
- Findings suggest a potential organic basis for some somatic symptoms experienced by panic disorder patients.