Psychological aspects of 17 patients with dizziness presumed to be primarly related to psychological factors

Psychological factors play an important role in the development of dizziness. Even if they are not the cause of the initial onset of dizziness, psychological factors often contribute to the continuation or aggravation of symptoms. This study sought to clarify the personality and psychosocial backgrounds of 17 patients with dizziness, in whom psychological factors were considered to be the primary cause of their symptoms. Psychotherapists at our dizziness clinic counseled all of these patients. The Cornell Medical Index (CMI) revealed a strong neurotic inclination, psychosomatic ataxia, and obsession in these patients. In addition, the Personality Inventory (INV) showed that 8 patients had a strong epilepsy temperament. The results of the Stress Coping Inventory (SCI) suggested that a low ability to cope with stress was a personality trait common among these patients. Various psychosocial backgrounds were also identified as the causes of the stress contributing to the initial onset, continuation, and aggravation of the symptoms. Our experience with these patients showed that the most appropriate method of psychotherapy for treating psychogenic dizziness or dizziness closely related to psychological factors should be based on precise knowledge of a patient's personality and psychological background.