Depression in Ménière's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Ménière's disease is a debilitating chronic peripheral vestibular disorder associated with psychiatric co-morbidities, notably depression.

Methods: Database searches were performed to identify studies that assessed depression in Ménière's disease. Metrics used to diagnose depression were extracted, along with the prevalence of depression in each study.

Results: Fifteen studies from 8 different countries reported on 6587 patients. The weighted average age was 55.3 years (range, 21-88 years). Depression was measured by eight different scales, with Zung's Self-Rating Depression Scale used most often. A weighted proportion of 45.9 per cent of patients (confidence interval = 28.9-63.3) were depressed. Weighted averages (± standard deviations) of Beck's Depression Inventory and the Illness Behavior Questionnaire - Dysphoria were 8.5 ± 7.9 and 2.4 ± 1.7, respectively.

Conclusion: The prevalence of depression in patients with Ménière's disease is nearly 50 per cent. Treating otolaryngologists should have a low threshold to screen and refer appropriately. Identifying and treating depression should allow for improvement of overall quality of life in patients with Ménière's disease.

Keywords: Depression; Mood Disorders; Ménière's Disease; Quality Of Life; Tinnitus; Vertigo.