BPPV patients show higher anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance scores than healthy controls

This prospective cross-sectional study compared 310 patients diagnosed with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) to 300 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. The research aimed to assess associations between serum neurotransmitter levels (dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine) and psychological or sleep comorbidities in BPPV.

Patients with BPPV exhibited significantly higher scores on the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) compared to healthy controls, with all reported p-values < 0.05. The study also assessed functional disability using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), though specific results for this and the neurotransmitter analyses were not detailed in the provided data.

No safety or tolerability data related to the assessment were reported. A key limitation is the cross-sectional design, which identifies associations but cannot determine whether psychological and sleep disturbances are a cause or consequence of BPPV. The study did not report on funding or potential conflicts of interest.

For practice, this evidence reinforces that anxiety, depression, and poor sleep are frequently observed in patients presenting with BPPV. Clinicians should be aware of these potential comorbidities during assessment. However, the non-causal nature of the data means screening or treatment approaches for these conditions in BPPV patients require evidence from interventional studies.