Contribution of symptoms and beliefs to handicap in people with vertigo: a longitudinal study
Contribution of symptoms and beliefs to handicap in people with vertigo: a longitudinal study
The purpose of the present study of people with recurrent vertigo (dizziness/dysequilibrium) was (a) to determine whether negative perceptions of symptoms contribute to handicap, and (b) to examine the physical and psychological factors predicting handicap over a seven‐month period. Questionnaires assessing symptoms, anxiety and depression, handicap, and beliefs about the potential consequences of vertigo attacks were completed by 101 patients suffering from vestibular disorders. Three clusters of beliefs were identified: concern about loss of control, fear of serious illness, and anticipation of a severe attack. Fear of losing control and reported autonomic symptoms were significantly related to raw and residualized handicap scores, after controlling for somatization, vertigo severity, anxiety and depression. Initial levels of somatization predicted residualized handicap and emotional distress, while handicap levels predicted future emotional distress and vertigo. Negative perceptions of symptoms may contribute to an escalating cycle of vertigo, anxiety and restriction of activity. 1994 The British Psychological Society
101-113
Yardley, Lucy
64be42c4-511d-484d-abaa-f8813452a22e
1 February 1994
Yardley, Lucy
64be42c4-511d-484d-abaa-f8813452a22e
Yardley, Lucy
(1994)
Contribution of symptoms and beliefs to handicap in people with vertigo: a longitudinal study.
British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 33 (1), .
(doi:10.1111/j.2044-8260.1994.tb01100.x).
Abstract
The purpose of the present study of people with recurrent vertigo (dizziness/dysequilibrium) was (a) to determine whether negative perceptions of symptoms contribute to handicap, and (b) to examine the physical and psychological factors predicting handicap over a seven‐month period. Questionnaires assessing symptoms, anxiety and depression, handicap, and beliefs about the potential consequences of vertigo attacks were completed by 101 patients suffering from vestibular disorders. Three clusters of beliefs were identified: concern about loss of control, fear of serious illness, and anticipation of a severe attack. Fear of losing control and reported autonomic symptoms were significantly related to raw and residualized handicap scores, after controlling for somatization, vertigo severity, anxiety and depression. Initial levels of somatization predicted residualized handicap and emotional distress, while handicap levels predicted future emotional distress and vertigo. Negative perceptions of symptoms may contribute to an escalating cycle of vertigo, anxiety and restriction of activity. 1994 The British Psychological Society
This record has no associated files available for download.
More information
Published date: 1 February 1994
Identifiers
Local EPrints ID: 509299
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/509299
ISSN: 0144-6657
PURE UUID: 1bb7d70f-d393-4ffc-9a0f-6f8ac367e072
Catalogue record
Date deposited: 18 Feb 2026 17:39
Last modified: 19 Feb 2026 02:35
Export record
Altmetrics
Download statistics
Downloads from ePrints over the past year. Other digital versions may also be available to download e.g. from the publisher's website.
View more statistics
