Influence of beliefs about the consequences of dizziness on handicap in people with dizziness, and the effect of therapy on beliefs

Objective: To determine the longitudinal relationship between beliefs about the consequences of dizziness and handicap levels in dizzy patients, and t he effect of therapy on beliefs. Methods: Symptoms, beliefs, and handicap w ere assessed at baseline and 6 months follow up in 76 primary care patients complaining of dizziness or vertigo, of whom 33 were assigned to treatment (i.e., vestibular rehabilitation). Results: At baseline most patients beli eved that dizziness would have negative consequences such as falling, faint ing, or losing control. Handicap levels at follow-up were predicted by base line beliefs that dizziness would have negative consequences. Significant r eduction in negative beliefs at follow-up was observed in the patients who received treatment, whereas there was no reduction in negative beliefs in t he untreated patients. Conclusions: Negative beliefs about the consequences of dizziness sustain long-term restriction of activity, and can be modifie d by therapy. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.