[Phobic vertigo: history, diagnosis and interdisciplinary therapy]

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Phobic dizziness, also known as functional or somatoform dizziness, is a prevalent and distressing condition.
• It frequently lacks an identifiable organic cause, posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
• The condition involves overlapping somatic, vestibular, and psychiatric factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a historical context for phobic dizziness.
• To describe the clinical presentation of functional dizziness.
• To outline current diagnostic approaches and evidence-based treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of historical context, clinical presentation, and diagnostic approaches.
• Focus on interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Emphasis on evidence-based treatments, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy.

Main Results:

• Phobic dizziness is a complex condition with multifactorial origins.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial for effective management.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy demonstrates efficacy in treating functional dizziness.

Conclusions:

• Phobic dizziness requires a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy is a recommended evidence-based treatment.
• Practice-relevant recommendations are provided for general practitioners.