A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating Integrative Psychotherapeutic Group Treatment Compared to Self-Help Groups...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychotherapy
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Functional vertigo and dizziness significantly impair quality of life.
• Psychological interventions are explored to manage these symptoms.
• Integrative psychotherapeutic group treatment (IPGT) and self-help groups (SHG) are potential therapeutic options.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of IPGT versus psychologist-moderated SHG in reducing vertigo/dizziness-related impairment.
• To assess the impact on secondary outcomes including depression, anxiety, and somatization.
• To evaluate patient acceptance and attrition rates between the two treatment conditions.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled superiority trial was conducted.
• Adult patients with functional vertigo/dizziness were allocated to either IPGT or SHG.
• Outcomes were assessed at baseline, post-treatment (16 weeks), and 12-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• Both IPGT and SHG significantly reduced vertigo-related impairment and depression.
• No significant differences were found between IPGT and SHG for primary or secondary outcomes.
• Attrition rates were substantially lower in the IPGT group (28.4%) compared to the SHG group (52.6%).

Conclusions:

• Both IPGT and SHG are effective treatments for functional vertigo and dizziness.
• IPGT demonstrates superior patient acceptance and retention compared to SHG.
• Further research may explore optimizing SHG to improve engagement.