Pilot Study of Vestibular Rehabilitation Training for Panic Disorder With Vestibular Dysfunction

PROTOCOL OUTLINE: During the first 4 weeks of study, patients meet with a clinical nurse specialist once a week for approximately 1 hour. During this time, the nature of the anxiety disorder is explained and exposure to previously feared situations is encouraged. Only patients who remain symptomatic at a stable level following self-exposure will proceed with rehabilitation training. Patients meet with a physical therapist once a week for 4 weeks to further evaluate the extent of problems associated with balance. Then, patients undergo weekly 1 hour exercises for 8 weeks with the physical therapist, focusing on sensation, head and eye coordination, movement with eyes opened and closed, and gait. Concurrently, patients meet with the clinical nurse specialist every 4 weeks during and after physical therapy to evaluate the effects of vestibular treatment on anxiety symptoms. Training is continued if patient is symptomatic; otherwise, patient is discharged from study.