Vertigo/dizziness may interfere with the daily lives of the patients and have mental defect cause psychological problems. It is important to perform both objective and subjective assessments in patients with vertigo/dizziness. The purpose of this study was to explore differences in the handicap associated with dizziness and psychological problem among patients. During the 44-month period between July 2014 and February 2018, of a total of 275 patients hospitalized at the Vertigo/Dizziness Center at Nara Medical University Hospital, 172 patients, including 78 cases diagnosed as having Meniere's disease, 48 with BPPV, 31 with unilateral vestibular dysfunction, and 15 with sudden deafness, were included in this analysis. Subjects were assessed with the handicap questionnaire for dizziness, the Stress Response Scale (SRS), and the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Patients with Meniere's disease showed lower scores in items 2 and 3 of the handicap questionnaire as compared to patients with BPPV and those with unilateral vestibular dysfunction. The abnormal ratio of SRS was higher in patients with unilateral vestibular dysfunction; however, no significant differences were noted in the positive ratio of SDS among the groups. These results suggest that patients with BPPV may have limitation of physical activity under the influence of dizziness caused by changes in the head position. Many patients with unilateral vestibular dysfunction do not achieve vestibular compensation and develop psychological problems. It is important for patients with BPPV and those with unilateral vestibular dysfunction to undergo individualized vestibular rehabilitation programs.
