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Psychiatric disorders and functional impairment in patients with persistent dizziness
K Kroenke1, C A Lucas, M L Rosenberg
1Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.
Journal of General Internal Medicine
|October 1, 1993
Summary
Psychiatric disorders, particularly depression and somatization, are a significant cause of dizziness in 40% of patients. These conditions increase functional impairment in individuals experiencing persistent dizziness.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Dizziness is a common and often disabling symptom.
- The relationship between dizziness and psychiatric disorders requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and predictors of psychiatric dizziness.
- To measure the functional impairment associated with dizziness.
Main Methods:
- 100 dizzy outpatients and 25 controls were assessed.
- Structured psychiatric interviews (Diagnostic Interview Schedule) were used.
- Functional status was measured using the Sickness Impact Profile and MOS Short-Form.
Main Results:
- Psychiatric disorders were a cause of dizziness in 40% of patients.
- Dizzy patients showed higher lifetime and recent prevalence of Axis I disorders, especially depression and somatization.
- Psychiatric comorbidity was linked to moderate to severe functional impairment.
Conclusions:
- Persistent dizziness is associated with increased functional impairment and psychiatric comorbidity.
- Depression and somatization are particularly prevalent in patients with dizziness.
- Psychiatric disorders exacerbate the functional impairment caused by dizziness.