Overview of psychologic effects of chronic dizziness and balance disorders

Symptoms of dizziness and imbalance often appear to be inexplicable, unpred ictable, and uncontrollable. Chronic dizziness frequently leads to psycholo gic problems, such as panic and anxiety, preoccupation with health, avoidan ce of activities that seem to cause dizziness, and avoidance of situations in which dizziness might result in physical harm or social embarrassment. P aradoxically, anxiety and avoidance of activity can exacerbate and perpetua te dizziness, resulting in a vicious cycle of persistent disorientation and distress. Excessive anxiety and handicap can be prevented by providing pat ients land their families) with a simple but detailed explanation of how sy mptoms are provoked and the process of adaptation following a balance disor der. This information enables patients to understand, anticipate, and manag e their own symptoms.