RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Working-age adults’ perspectives on living with persistent postural-perceptual dizziness: a qualitative exploratory study
JF BMJ Open
JO BMJ Open
FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group
SP e024326
DO 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024326
VO 9
IS 4
A1 Ann Elisabeth Ignace Sezier
A1 Nicola Saywell
A1 Gareth Terry
A1 Denise Taylor
A1 Nicola Kayes
YR 2019
UL http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/9/4/e024326.abstract
AB Objectives To (a) explore the experiences of persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD), formerly chronic subjective dizziness on the personal, work and social lives of working-age adults; (b) enhance current understandings of the condition and its impact on the lives of working-age adults and (c) highlight points for consideration and importance to clinical practice.Methods This qualitative exploratory study drew on interpretive descriptive methodology. Working-age adults (n=8) diagnosed with PPPD were recruited from a single New Zealand community-based specialist clinic. Data from interviews (n=8) and postinterview reflections (n=2) were analysed using thematic analysis.Results Three themes were constructed: (1) It sounds like I’m crazy—referring to the lack of medical, social and self-validation associated with PPPD; (2) I’m a shadow of my former self—representing the impact of the condition on sense of self and life trajectory and (3) How will I survive?— highlighting individual coping processes.Conclusion This study contributed to the existing body of knowledge by highlighting the complexity and fluidity of experiencing PPPD. It also drew attention to the tension between the acute illness framework that forms the basis of many therapeutic interactions and the enduring psychosocial support needs of the person experiencing PPPD. The findings highlighted that contextual factors need to be taken into account and that a person-centred and biopsychosocial approach, rather than a condition-specific biomedical approach, is needed for care to be perceived as meaningful and satisfactory.