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Psychophysiological dizziness, also referred to as functional dizziness or persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD), occurs when sensations of light-headedness, imbalance, or unsteadiness stem from psychological or emotional factors rather than a physical problem with the inner ear or vestibular system. Unlike vertigo caused by structural issues, psychophysiological dizziness is often linked to heightened sensitivity of the brain’s balance and motion processing systems, typically triggered or worsened by stress, anxiety, or fatigue. It reflects the intricate connection between the brain, body, and emotions.
It can be triggered by stress, anxiety, panic attacks, or trauma. For instance, when someone is experiencing high levels of anxiety, they might feel dizzy or off-balance, even if there’s no underlying physical cause.
Light-headedness: Feeling faint or unsteady
Spinning Sensation: A sense that the room or surroundings are moving, even though they’re not
Unsteadiness: Difficulty maintaining balance
Nausea: Feeling queasy or unsettled in your stomach
Disorientation: Trouble concentrating or feeling confused
Anxiety: Increased feelings of worry or panic, which can intensify the dizziness
Palpitations: Rapid or irregular heartbeat that may accompany the dizziness
Nearly 50% of the dizziness
caused by the inner ear
disturbances, 15% due to
physiological disturbance,
5% by medical, and
remaining are unknown
Individuals with dizziness
are 3x more likely to have
depression, anxiety, and/or
panic disorders
30-50% of chronic vertigo
and dizziness cases are
linked with mental
disorders, most often
anxiety, and sometimes
depression, or both
Large population studies
show that dizziness,
including vertigo, affects
around 15% to over 20% of
adults each year
Psychophysiological dizziness can be quite unsettling. It’s that lightheaded, disoriented feeling that leaves you wondering what’s going on with your body. The good news is that there’s plenty of research shedding light on what’s going on and how to manage it effectively.
First off, PPPD often links back to anxiety and stress. When you’re anxious, your body can react in ways that might not make immediate sense, like feeling dizzy. This happens because anxiety can lead to hyperventilation, where you breathe too quickly or deeply, changing the levels of carbon dioxide in your blood and making you feel lightheaded. Stress can also mess with your vestibular system, the part of your inner ear that helps control balance, leading to that wobbly sensation.
Research points to cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) as a top-notch way to tackle functional dizziness. CBT helps you understand the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations. By working with a therapist, you can learn strategies to manage anxiety and stress, reducing those dizzy spells. Another helpful approach is mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). This involves mindfulness meditation and yoga, which can lower stress levels and, in turn, reduce dizziness.
Exercise is another biggie. Regular physical activity can improve your overall well-being and reduce anxiety, which might help keep dizziness at bay. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is also recommended. VRT involves specific exercises that help your brain compensate for any inner ear issues, improving balance and reducing dizziness.
Medication can sometimes play a role too, especially if your dizziness is part of a broader anxiety disorder. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are commonly prescribed to help manage anxiety, and they can indirectly reduce dizziness by tackling the underlying anxiety.
So, if you’re grappling with dizziness issues, know that you’re not alone, and there are effective ways to manage it. Tackling the root causes like anxiety and stress through therapy, mindfulness, exercise, and possibly medication can make a world of difference. Remember, it’s always a good idea to chat with a healthcare professional to find the best approach for your specific situation.
*Source: Psychotherapy in dizziness: a systematic review – National Library of Medicine
Slow, deep breaths can calm your mind and reduce dizziness. Inhale through your nose, hold, and exhale slowly through your mouth.
Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, which can worsen dizziness.
Regular physical activity can reduce anxiety and improve your overall well-being, which in turn can help with dizziness. Even a daily walk can be beneficial.
Our Psychologists, highly qualified with Masters or Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology, provide treatment for functional dizziness. They use Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), the gold standard for many psychological issues, along with other evidence-based treatments like Mindfulness and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).