Dysequilibrium and audiovestibular function in panic disorder: symptom profiles and test findings

Am J Otol. 1990 Sep;11(5):338-41.

Abstract

Patients with panic disorder commonly report symptoms of dizziness and imbalance. We studied the relationship between objective measures of audiovestibular function, phenomenologic, and self-report measures of dysequilibrium and related somatic symptoms in a sample of panic disorder patients with and without agoraphobia, unselected for the complaint of dysequilibrium. Of seventeen patients evaluated by electronystagmography, 71 percent exhibited abnormal vestibular test findings. These latter patients had higher total anxiety ratings than patients without vestibular abnormalities. We conclude that patients with panic disorder warrant evaluation of audiovestibular function.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Agoraphobia / complications
  • Agoraphobia / diagnosis
  • Agoraphobia / physiopathology*
  • Anxiety Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Dizziness / complications
  • Dizziness / diagnosis
  • Dizziness / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Hearing / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Panic*
  • Postural Balance / physiology*