[Validation of the German version of the Vertigo Handicap Questionnaire (VHQ) in patients with vestibular vertigo syndromes or somatoform vertigo and dizziness].

The Vertigo Handicap Questionnaire (VHQ) by Yardley (1992) assesses physical and psychosocial impairments of vertigo or dizziness. Our study examines the structure, reliability, and aspects of validity of the German version of the VHQ. 98 vestibular vertigo syndromes vs. 90 patients with somatoform vertigo and dizziness were evaluated with the VHQ, symptom severity (VSS), distress (GSI), anxiety and depression (HADS), catastrophizing beliefs (ACQ), fear of body sensations (BSQ), and quality of life (SF-36). For diagnostic classification detailed clinical neurological, neuro-otological and psychosomatic testing were conducted. Principal components analysis identified two factors, which could be confirmed by confirmatory factor analyses: 'handicapped activity'(VHQ-ACT) and 'anxiety' (VHQ-ANX). The VHQ had good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha: 0.92). Test-retest reliability was r = 0.80. We noted close relations between the VHQ, the VSS and measures of emotional distress as aspects of good construct validity. Together with the VSS, the VHQ completes a comprehensive diagnostic screening tool for vertigo or dizziness.