title: [Phobic postural vertigo: clinical aspects and course of illness].
abstract: Phobic postural vertigo (PPV) is the second most common diagnosis on a dizziness unit. It is a somatoform syndrome characterized as a chronic and incapacitating condition with subjective imbalance and short attacks of dizziness. During a period of 18 months, PPV was observed in 41 patients among 251 of a dizziness unit. Twenty-six had primary PPV, among whom 65% had depressive or anxiety disorders, and 15 patients were diagnosed at secondary PPV. Normal neurological examination and diagnostic tests were observed in most cases. A favorable response to treatment (antidepressants, benzodiazepines, psychotherapy and/or orientation) was observed in 62% of all patients, without difference between both groups -- primary and secondary PPV. Despite the high prevalence, PPV is misdiagnosed. Therefore one must attempt to recognize it, since its appropriate treatment prevents recurrence and incapacitation.
authors.affiliation: Hospital das Clínicas, Facultade de Medicina, Universidade São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Jovana G M
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Ciríaco
authors.forename: Paula L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Alexandre
authors.forename: Cristiana B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Pereira
authors.forename: Yuan P
authors.initials: YP
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Milberto
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Scaff
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004584:Electronystagmography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014717:Vertigo / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy