Analysis of Dizzy Patients with High Depression and Anxiety Index

Abstract

Objectives: Some patients with dizziness often show psychological distress. However, the association of vestibular deficit with psychological symptoms remains controversial. Thus, we investigated the incidence of high depression and anxiety index in patients who complained of dizziness, their dizziness severity, and the distribution of disease to induce dizziness. Methods: In 562 patients with dizziness, dizziness and the psychological distress of all patients were measured using the Korean versions of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). We examined the incidence of patients having high depression and anxiety using a cutoff value (BDI ≥21, STAI ≥57). We divided patients into a high psychological distress index group and a moderate to low index group on the basis of cut-off value and compared the type of disease and DHI score between the 2 groups. Results: The incidence of high BDI and STAI scores were 11% and 13.5%, respectively. The high BDI and STAI group showed the higher DHI scores, including functional, emotional and physical subscales, and the higher STAI and BDI scores, respectively. The mean age, sex and the distribution of the type of disease between high psychological distress index group and moderate to low index group showed no difference. Conclusions: Of patients with dizziness, about one-tenth have serious psychological distress, various vestibular diseases, and more dizzy symptoms. Thus, we should keep in mind the psychological factor in dizzy patients and the necessity of psychological support in the patients.