A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating Integrative Psychotherapeutic Group Treatment Compared to Self-Help Groups in Functional Vertigo/Dizziness

We tested the efficacy of an integrative psychotherapeutic group treatment (IPGT) in reducing vertigo/dizziness-related impairment along with depression, anxiety, and somatization by conducting a randomized controlled superiority trial comparing IPGT to self-help groups moderated by a clinical psychologist (SHG). Adult patients with functional vertigo and dizziness symptoms were randomly allocated to either the IPGT or SHG as active control group. Outcomes were assessed at baseline (t0), after treatment lasting 16 weeks (t1), and 12 months after treatment (t2). A total of 81 patients were assigned to IPGT and 78 patients were assigned to SHG. Vertigo-related impairment was reduced in both conditions (IPGT: t0-t1: d = 1.10, t0-t2: d = 1.06; SHG: t0-t1: d = 0.86, t0-t2: d = 1.29), showing the efficiency of both IPGT and SHG. Clinically relevant improvements were also obtained for depression in both groups. Linear mixed model analyses revealed no differences between groups for all outcomes (effect of group for the primary outcome: b = -1.15, SE = 2.13, t = -0.54, p = 0.59). Attrition rates were higher in SHG (52.6%) than in IPGT (28.4%). Both conditions improved primary and secondary outcomes while IPGT was better accepted by patients than SHG. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT02320851.

Automated summary

The study conducted a randomized controlled superiority trial comparing an integrative psychotherapeutic group treatment (IPGT) to self-help groups moderated by a clinical psychologist (SHG) for reducing vertigo/dizziness-related impairment, depression, anxiety, and somatization. The results showed that both IPGT and SHG were effective in reducing vertigo-related impairment and improving depression symptoms, with no significant differences between the two groups. IPGT was also better accepted by patients compared to SHG, and had lower attrition rates.