Can you comment on the theory expressed by Harold N. Levinson in his book "Phobia Free", that phobias are often a result of inner-ear disorders, which can often be treated by antihistamines, etc? My daughter has claustrophobia and other symptoms that he indicates are all related to inner-ear problems.
Anything you can tell me, or other sources of info you can point me to will be appreciated. Thanks.
Reply ------------------------
While I am not familiar with the author nor his book, it is certainly possible that phobias can occur in patients with inner ear dysfunction. In my experience, patients with chronic inner ear disorders with such phobias develop them out of fear of becoming dizzy. Dizziness due to inner ear dysfunction can occasionally be disabling and associated with severe nausea, vomiting, listlessness, fatigue, and other vegetative symptoms. Often times the patient will recognize certain activities that seem to precipitate dizzy episodes and will seek to avoid those activities. However, I would be skeptical about ascribing a phobia to an inner ear disorder without any clear prior history of the symptom of vertigo, a form of dizziness associated with the sensation of movement. Also, it is true that many patients with inner ear dysfunction causing dizziness can be successfully treated with antihistamines however I am unclear as to how this fact can support the hypothesis that phobias are "often" the result of inner ear disorders. Certain antihistamines have the potential side effect of sedation or drowsiness which certainly could have some impact on a phobia, however this would not in itself provide proof that the phobia was caused by an inner ear disorder.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
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