Anxiety and depression in vertigo/dizziness and imbalance

Purpose: The aim of the work is characterization of psychiatric disorders mostly observed in patients with vertigo/dizziness and imbalance.

Views: Anxiety and depression are common symptoms associated with vertigo and balance disorders. It is underlined that emotional problems may be the main cause or may aggravate the symptoms of dysfunction of the vestibular system and the balance system. On the other hand, damage to these systems is associated with a higher risk of psychiatric disorders. It is estimated that dizziness in approximately 10-15% of patients may be psychogenic (functional) and their main cause is emotional disorder, especially anxiety and depression. Determination of psychogenic aetiology may be difficult as patients with vertigo usually refer their complaints as somatic disorder and do not spontaneously mention emotional problems. The coexistence of dizziness and psychiatric disorders is also an important problem. It is assessed that almost half of patients with dysfunction of the vestibular system also presents significant psychopathological symptoms. Various mechanisms of these relationships are considered.

Conclusions: There is a high correlation between dizziness and impaired balance and the presence of psychiatric disorders (mainly anxiety and depression). The coexistence of dizziness and psychiatric disorders leads to persistence of symptoms, higher level of handicap and difficulties in the functioning of patients.