Using interpretative phenomenological analysis to probe the lived experiences of persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD)

Gamble, R., Sumner, P., Wilson-Smith, K., Derry-Sumner, H., Rajenderkumar, D. and Powell, G. (2023) Using interpretative phenomenological analysis to probe the lived experiences of persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD). Journal of Vestibular Research, 33(2), pp. 89-103. (doi: 10.3233/ves-220059) (PMID:36710692)

Abstract

Background: Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD) is a chronic neuro-vestibular condition characterised by subjective dizziness, non-spinning vertigo, and postural imbalance. Symptoms are typically induced by situations of visuo-vestibular conflict and intense visual-motion. Objective: Little research has focused on the lived experiences of people with PPPD. Therefore, our objective was to present an in-depth exploration of patient experiences and sense-making, and the effect of PPPD on psycho-social functioning. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 6 people with PPPD, who were recruited from an Audiovestibular department in Wales. We present a case-by-case Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) for each participant and present common themes. Results: Our analysis revealed a range of superordinate and subordinate themes, individualised to each participant, but broadly described under the following headings: dismissal and non-belief, identity loss, dissociative experiences, poor psychological well-being and processes of sense-making. Conclusion: The qualitative experiences documented in this study will help clinicians and researchers to better understand the lived experiences of PPPD, how PPPD patients make sense of their symptoms, and the psycho-social impacts of the condition.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This research was funded by an EPSRC PhD studentship (grant number EP/N509449/1) and a Health and Care Research Wales Fellowship (grant number SCF-18- 1504).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Wilson-Smith, Dr Kevin
• Authors: Gamble, R., Sumner, P., Wilson-Smith, K., Derry-Sumner, H., Rajenderkumar, D., and Powell, G.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Education
• Journal Name: Journal of Vestibular Research
• Publisher: IOS Press
• ISSN: 0957-4271
• ISSN (Online): 1878-6464
• Published Online: 24 January 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Journal of Vestibular Research 33(2): 89-103
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License