Anxiety as a Determinant of Vertigo Severity and Chronicity: A Prospective Clinical Analysis of 72 Patients

Abstract

Despite growing awareness of a two-way street between anxiety and vertigo, little is known about the therapeutic consequences of this connection. Vestibular illnesses and anxiety may coexist, and anxiety can also affect the severity, duration, and effectiveness of symptoms.

In a group of patients who presented with dizziness, this study set out to determine whether there was a correlation between anxiety levels and the frequency, intensity, and clinical subtype of vertigo.

In a prospective observational study, 72 individuals who presented with vertigo were included. There was documentation of demographic information, clinical findings, and vestibular test outcomes. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 were used to measure anxiety. We used a visual analog scale to quantify vertigo intensity. A low-anxiety group and a high-anxiety group were formed from the patients. Correlation tests, comparisons between groups, and logistic regression were all part of the statistical analysis.

Anxiety ratings and vertigo severity were positively correlated (r = 0.62, p < 0.001) as measured by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and the Visual Analog Scale, respectively. Vertigo was more common and more severe in patients with high anxiety compared with those with low anxiety (p < 0.01). The high-anxiety group had a much higher prevalence of Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (3.4; 95% CI: 1.5-7.6). Patients with higher anxiety levels had fewer favorable treatment outcomes.

The intensity and persistence of vertigo are significantly affected by anxiety. Improving clinical outcomes requires integrated management that addresses both vestibular impairment and psychological issues.