Psychological Distress and Health-Related Quality of Life in Ménière's Disease: A Comparative Study in the Portuguese Population

/Objectives : Ménière's disease (MD) is a chronic inner-ear disorder characterized by vertigo, tinnitus, and fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) that impairs health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and is frequently accompanied by psychological distress....

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✦ The floor

Discussion

Signed responses from readers of the wire.

✦ Clinical Takeaway ✦

Audiologists and ENT clinicians managing Ménière's disease should routinely screen for psychological distress and reduced quality of life, as this study reinforces that psychosocial burden is a significant component of the disease that warrants integrated care.

✦ Why It Matters ✦

Quantifying the psychosocial burden of Ménière's disease in a European population supports the case for multi-disciplinary management models that include psychological support alongside audiological intervention.

✦ Key Points ✦

01Ménière's disease patients in Portugal showed significantly elevated psychological distress versus comparators.
02Health-related quality of life was measurably reduced across multiple domains.
03Findings are consistent with international literature but provide population-specific data for Portuguese patients.
04Comparative design strengthens the ability to attribute burden specifically to Ménière's disease.
05Results support integrating mental health screening into Ménière's disease management protocols.

✦ Claims & Evidence ✦

ClaimEvidenceSupport

Ménière's disease is associated with significantly higher psychological distress compared to a reference population.

studysupported

Health-related quality of life is substantially reduced in Ménière's disease patients.

studysupported

✦ Research metadata ✦

PMID: 42194880
DOI: 10.3390/jcm15103919.
Journal: Journal of Clinical Medicine
Publication type: research_article
Evidence level: 3
Population: Portuguese patients with Ménière's disease compared to a general or clinical reference population
Intervention: Assessment of psychological distress and health-related quality of life in Ménière's disease
Comparator: General or matched Portuguese population comparator group

Primary outcomes

Psychological distress levels; Health-related quality of life scores

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