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 the effect of therapy on beliefs.


METHODS
Symptoms, beliefs, and handicap were 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 believed that dizziness would have negative consequences such as falling, fainting, or losing control. Handicap levels at follow-up were predicted by baseline beliefs that dizziness would have negative consequences. Significant reduction in negative beliefs at follow-up was observed in the patients who received treatment, whereas there was no reduction in negative beliefs in the untreated patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Negative beliefs about the consequences of dizziness sustain long-term restriction of activity, and can be modified by therapy.
Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Highfield, SO17 1BJ, Southampton, UK. l.yardley@soton.ac.uk
L
L
Yardley
S
S
Beech
J
J
Weinman
D000368:Aged; D003469:Culture; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D004244:Dizziness / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011581:Psychological Tests; D011594:Psychometrics; D014717:Vertigo / Q000523:psychology*