[Steadfast--effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral self-management program for patients with somatoform vertigo and dizziness].

The aim of the study was to evaluate a psychotherapeutic intervention for somatoform vertigo regarding illness perception, severity and psychopathology.Patients underwent a waiting-list control group design (n=10 control group; n=14 intervention group with diagnostics at baseline, post-intervention, 3- and 12-month follow-up). Psychometric assessments comprised the Illness Perception Questionnaire, Vertigo Symptom and Handicap Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Physical Health Questionnaire.The intervention group improved in personal control (p=0.046; d=0.46), and coherency (p=0.087; d=0.42). Illness beliefs in organic deteriorations could be corrected towards psychosomatic attributions.Steadfast decreased dysfunctional illness representations and increased patient empowerment.