Novel Approaches general panel discussion

We propose a hypothesis-generating observational study that explores the relationship between obsessive-compulsive (OC) personality traits and the severity of vertigo-related anxiety in patients with common peripheral vestibular disorders. Despite similar vestibular test results, some patients report disabling dizziness, while others cope more easily — suggesting that psychological traits may act as symptom amplifiers. This proposed study will include patients diagnosed with BPPV, vestibular neuritis, or Menière’s disease. Each participant will complete validated instruments including the Vertigo Handicap Inventory (VHI), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale, and the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R). We will analyze the correlation between obsessive-compulsive traits and reported anxiety intensity, adjusting for diagnosis and vestibular dysfunction severity. We believe that identifying psychological vulnerability in vestibular patients can lead to earlier, individualized management strategies — including integration of cognitive-behavioral therapy in selected cases.