Psychological Comparison of Adults With Dizziness: Depression, Anxiety, and Somatization in Typical Vs. Abnormal Vestibular Test Results

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between vestibular test results and levels of depression, anxiety, and somatization in patients with dizziness. It also examined the correlation between vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) findings and subjective assessment scales. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients with complaints of dizziness were divided into two groups: Group I (n=30, abnormal vestibular test findings) and Group II (n=30, normal vestibular test results). All participants underwent audiological and vestibular evaluations [videonystagmography (VNG), video head impulse test (vHIT)] as well as psychological assessments using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the Somatization subscale of the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Results: No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of BDI, BAI, or somatization scores (p>0.05). However, Group I had significantly higher total and emotional subscale scores on the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) (p<0.05). In this group, DHI scores showed a positive correlation with both BDI and BAI scores (p<0.05). No significant correlation was observed between vHIT results and psychological measures in either group. Conclusion: Vestibular test results do not appear to significantly influence levels of depression, anxiety, or somatization. However, subjective tools such as the DHI may reflect the psychological impact of dizziness and can be useful in guiding appropriate clinical management.