Glossary / Lexicon

Deutsch: Drehschwindel / Español: Sensación de giro / Português: Sensação de giro / Français: Sensation de vertige / Italiano: Sensazione di giramento

A spinning sensation, often referred to as vertigo in the psychology context, is a disorienting feeling of motion, typically the perception that either the individual or their surroundings are rotating or spinning. This sensation can be caused by disruptions in the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance and spatial orientation, or by psychological factors such as anxiety or panic disorders.

Description

In psychology, a spinning sensation is most commonly associated with vertigo, a condition where individuals feel as though they or their environment are spinning, even when stationary. This sensation is primarily related to dysfunction in the vestibular system (located in the inner ear), particularly in the semicircular canals, which detect changes in head position and motion. When these systems send conflicting signals to the brain, a spinning sensation can occur.

From a psychological perspective, the spinning sensation may also be linked to anxiety disorders, particularly panic attacks. Individuals experiencing high levels of anxiety or panic may report feelings of dizziness or spinning as part of their physical symptoms. This is often caused by hyperventilation, rapid changes in heart rate, or increased muscle tension, which can affect the body's sense of balance.

Vertigo, a common cause of the spinning sensation, can lead to additional psychological effects, including:

• Anxiety: The unpredictability of vertigo episodes can lead to anticipatory anxiety, where individuals worry about when the next episode will occur.
• Fear of Movement: Due to the discomfort and disorientation of vertigo, individuals may avoid certain movements or environments, leading to limitations in daily activities.
• Panic Attacks: In some cases, the spinning sensation can trigger panic attacks, especially when individuals feel a loss of control over their body or surroundings.

Special Considerations

While the spinning sensation is primarily caused by physical issues within the vestibular system, the psychological impact can be significant. People may develop vestibular anxiety, where the fear of experiencing vertigo leads to chronic stress or avoidance of certain situations, such as driving, being in crowded places, or lying down suddenly.

It is also important to differentiate between vertigo caused by physical conditions and spinning sensations triggered by psychological factors, such as stress, trauma, or panic. Psychogenic vertigo, which stems from psychological causes rather than vestibular dysfunction, may manifest similarly but requires different treatment approaches.

Application Areas

The spinning sensation is relevant in several psychological and medical contexts:

1. Clinical Psychology: Understanding how anxiety and stress contribute to dizziness or spinning sensations can help in treating individuals with panic disorder or generalized anxiety disorder.
2. Neurology and Vestibular Disorders: Vertigo often requires a combined approach of psychological and neurological treatment, particularly in cases of chronic dizziness.
3. Somatic Symptom Disorders: Patients with medically unexplained symptoms, such as dizziness or vertigo, may benefit from psychological interventions, as emotional stress can exacerbate physical symptoms.
4. Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT): This approach may be used to address the psychological impacts of vertigo or dizziness, helping patients manage the emotional responses and behaviours that stem from the sensation.

Well-Known Examples

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): A common vestibular disorder that causes short, intense episodes of spinning sensations when changing head positions, such as looking up or turning in bed.
• Panic Attacks: During a panic attack, individuals may experience a spinning sensation due to hyperventilation or extreme anxiety, which affects their sense of balance.
• Vestibular Migraines: People with vestibular migraines can experience dizziness and vertigo without the typical headache symptoms of migraines, leading to episodes of spinning sensations.

Treatment and Risks

Treating the spinning sensation depends on the underlying cause:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): For those with vestibular dysfunction, this therapy involves exercises to improve balance and reduce dizziness.
• Medication: In some cases, medications like anti-anxiety drugs, vestibular suppressants, or anti-nausea medications are prescribed to manage symptoms.
• Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT): For individuals with anxiety-induced spinning sensations, CBT helps address the thoughts and behaviours that exacerbate the sensation.
• Lifestyle Changes: Avoiding triggers such as rapid movements or stressful situations can reduce the occurrence of the spinning sensation.

The risks associated with untreated spinning sensations include a decrease in quality of life, as individuals may become avoidant of activities or environments that could trigger episodes. Additionally, psychological distress, such as anxiety and depression, can develop as a result of chronic vertigo or dizziness.

Similar Terms

• Vertigo: The clinical term for the spinning sensation, usually due to issues with the vestibular system.
• Dizziness: A broader term that can refer to lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or a spinning sensation.
• Psychogenic Vertigo: Vertigo caused by psychological factors, such as stress or anxiety, rather than by a physical dysfunction in the vestibular system.

Summary

In the psychology context, a spinning sensation often relates to vertigo, a disorienting feeling of motion caused by dysfunction in the vestibular system or psychological factors like anxiety. It can lead to significant psychological distress, including anxiety, panic attacks, and avoidance behaviours. Understanding and treating both the physical and psychological components of the spinning sensation are crucial to managing its impact on daily life.

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