The characteristics of neuropsychological factors in patients with persistent postural-perceptual dizziness

Objective To investigate the characteristics of neuropsychological factors in patients with persistent postural-perceptual dizziness(PPPD) and provide the basis for the psychosomatic comprehensive treatment. Methods Cartel Personality Test (16PF), Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90), HAMA, HDMD, SAS and SDS were used to evaluate personality and mental state in patients with PPPD(PPPD group, n=65) and control group(n=63). Dizziness handicap inventory(DHI) was used to evaluate the degree of vertigo.The correlation analysis was carried out between the DHI scores and 16-PF, SCL-90 factor scores. Results (1)16PF factor scores: the factor scores of assertiveness(8.50±1.84), excitability (6.59±1.73), boldness (7.46±1.78), sensitivity (7.25±1.79), doubtfulness (6.55±1.74), fantasy(6.20±1.60), anxiety(7.67±1.61) and tension(6.81±1.67)in PPPD group were higher than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P 0.05). (3)The factor scores of HAMA(9.08±1.77) and SAS(37.88±2.96)in patients with PPPD were higher than that in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P 0.05). (4)The DHI scores were positively correlated with assertiveness, sensitivity, tension and doubtfulness factors of 16PF.The DHI scores were positively correlated with somatization, interpersonal sensitivity, anxiety and terrifying factors of SCL-90. Conclusion Patients with persistent postural-perceptual dizziness suffer from personality changes, mental disorders and anxiety disorder. Key words: Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness; Neuropsychological factors; Personality characteristics; Anxiety