Psychogenic Dizziness and Its Impact on Daily Life
Psychogenic Dizziness: When the Head Spins but the Body is Healthy
Dizziness is among the unpleasant physical symptoms that can significantly disrupt the quality of life. Many people associate this term with inner ear disorders or neurological problems, but sometimes the cause doesn't lie within the body itself. Psychogenic dizziness, also known as functional or psychological dizziness, is a special category that connects the body and mind. How is it possible that a person feels dizzy, even though all medical results are normal?
According to experts from the Mayo Clinic, psychogenic dizziness can arise due to stress, anxiety, or depression. It is not "faking" – patients truly experience their difficulties, only the origin is not physical but psychological. This phenomenon highlights the fascinating link between what we feel and how our body reacts.
What Does Psychogenic Dizziness Look Like?
Psychogenic dizziness differs from organic dizziness in several key characteristics. People most frequently complain about a feeling of "uncertainty in space," "floating floor," or "swaying." It is also characterized by variability – one moment a person feels relatively fine, the next they need to hold onto a wall. Surprisingly, these dizziness episodes often worsen in calm situations, such as standing in a queue or walking in open spaces, and subside when distracted.
A key feature is that psychogenic dizziness is not usually accompanied by other neurological symptoms, such as limb weakness or speech disorders. Medical examinations – such as balance tests, hearing tests, or brain imaging – generally show no abnormalities.
Consider an example: a young woman starts feeling dizzy during a stressful work period. Despite visiting several specialists and undergoing various tests, no physical cause is found. Only a consultation with a psychologist reveals that stress and long-term tension are manifesting in her as dizziness.
What Causes Psychogenic Dizziness?
Psychological factors associated with the onset of psychogenic dizziness are diverse. The most common include:
- Anxiety disorders: Generalized anxiety, panic attacks, or phobic disorders can lead to feelings of dizziness.
- Depression: A drop in energy and overall somatization of emotions can cause a perception of uncertainty in space.
- Stress and exhaustion: Long-term tension without the possibility of regeneration can affect balance perception.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): People who have experienced trauma may perceive dizziness as part of their physical symptoms.
- Somatoform disorders: A condition where psychological issues lead to the development of physical symptoms without an organic cause.
Sometimes, the fear of dizziness itself is behind the onset of psychogenic dizziness. This vicious cycle starts when a person experiences an unpleasant dizzy episode, begins to fear its return, and thereby triggers it themselves. This mechanism is known as "phobic postural instability."
Diagnosing Psychogenic Dizziness
Diagnosing psychogenic dizziness is not easy. Doctors must first rule out all potential organic causes, such as inner ear diseases (e.g., Meniere's disease), neurological diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis), or cardiovascular issues. Only when all results are negative do they start considering a psychogenic origin of the problems.
Some specialized tests, such as posturography, can reveal specific instability signs typical of psychogenic balance disorders. Besides this, a thorough history – a conversation with the patient focused not only on physical symptoms but also on their mental state, current life situation, and previous psychological issues – is crucial.
Professor of Neurology Wolfgang H. Jost once aptly noted: "In diagnosing psychogenic dizziness, the best tool is human listening." This approach is increasingly valuable in an era when medicine often relies more on devices than on human empathy.
How is Psychogenic Dizziness Treated?
The good news is that psychogenic dizziness is treatable. However, as practice shows, treatment requires a comprehensive approach. Simply assuring the patient that "everything is fine" is usually not enough. The key is to work on eliminating psychological causes and learning how to manage stress and anxiety.
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The most common therapeutic approaches include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps a person rid themselves of negative thought patterns associated with dizziness. Alongside, relaxation and breathing exercises often help to release tension and calm internal perception. Physical therapy focused on balance is also a great support — it helps the individual regain movement confidence and reduces fear. And when necessary, pharmacotherapy can come into play, perhaps in the form of antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, always under a psychiatrist's supervision.
Combining psychological support and physical rehabilitation is usually most effective. The story of a thirty-year-old man who began experiencing dizziness after a period of demanding work shows that patience and consistent self-work can lead to a return to a quality life. After several months of therapy and regular exercise, his difficulties significantly diminished.
How to Help Yourself at Home?
Psychogenic dizziness can significantly disrupt life, so it's crucial not only to seek professional help but also to make changes in the daily routine. One key thing is to maintain a regular daily schedule – both body and mind appreciate certainty and rhythm, otherwise, they can easily fall into chaos. Similarly, not underestimating quality sleep is important; lacking sufficient rest can exacerbate the situation.
Regular movement helps too, but no overexertion — gentle activities like yoga, Pilates, or a peaceful walk in nature are ideal. Another important aspect is managing stress; techniques such as meditation, mindfulness, or autogenic training work as effective tools to get emotions under control. And even though it may sometimes be tempting, it is essential not to isolate oneself — not isolating is absolutely crucial, as sharing concerns with loved ones significantly reduces psychological burden and the feeling of facing it alone.
However, it's important to remember that self-treatment does not replace professional care. If dizziness persists, consulting a doctor is always advisable.
Psychogenic dizziness reminds us that body and mind are not separate worlds. Our emotions, stress, and inner conflicts can manifest in physical health in ways we might not even imagine. In today's fast-paced world, where the pressure for performance and perfection reaches record heights, it's no wonder that the body sometimes sends warning signals. And perhaps in these moments, it's time to pause, slow down, and listen to what our body quietly conveys.
