BACKGROUND: The present study aims to evaluate the Quality of Life in patients with Meniere's disease across a time span of 12 months by identifying their level of perceived global wellness (i.e., whole subjective physical, mental, and social wellness), as defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO).METHODS: This work was carried out at the ENT Clinic of the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli in its ambula-tory unit, in collaboration with psychologists and psychotherapists. Forty-four patients (18 men and 24 women) with a well-defined diagnosis of Meniere's disease were monitored for Quality-of-Life measures within one year of therapeutic results being obtained. The present study aims to evaluate the Quality of Life in patients with Meniere's disease within a time span of 12 months, identifying their level of perceived global wellness, according to the definition of the World Health Organisation (WHO) -i.e., the patients' whole subjective physical, mental, and social wellness. Evaluating the notion of Quality of Life applied to an ill subject means understanding how the patient feels about the course of his/her disease and of its treatment.RESULTS: The analysis of the MMPI2 and the Zung Self-rating Anxiety Scale results at the three measured times (T0-T6-T12) highlighted that all the questionnaires were valid and could be included in the study. This means that none of the participants tried to show an exaggerated or minimized image of his/her symptoms. Results showed that patients with Meniere's disease in this post-treatment period present a psychological profile characterised by varying levels of slight hypochondriac, depressive, and hysteric traits; notes of paranoia; general anxiety symptoms; great dif-ficulty in decision-making; low self-esteem; and difficulties in staying within a group/with others (i.e., a tendency to remain alone).CONCLUSIONS: The perception of the disease in these patients is similar to that of patients with chronic and disabling diseases, and, in the crisis periods, it can be similar to that of dying patients. As literature studies point out the significant worsening of Quality of Life in those with Meniere's disease, the provision of global wellness in terms of psychosocial and social well-being, as suggested by WHO, is paramount. Since the psychological nature of their distress, in addition to the physical one, appears considerable, these patients must be provided with continuative and valid psychological sup-port or counselling by expert psychotherapists and psychiatrists. In the field of legal medicine, significant advances in the assistance and reassurance of patients with Meniere's disease are critically needed. Not only is it difficult to identify proper treatment, but it is also challenging to recognize, define and refund such a variable and often underestimated disease, which leads to a further damaging of the patients. It is thus important to additionally consider the familial and social repercussions of the disease.
Quality of Life in patients with Meniere's disease: clinical and therapeutic aspects and notes of medical medicine
Ferrante, L;Picariello, S;Motta, G;
2022
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The present study aims to evaluate the Quality of Life in patients with Meniere's disease across a time span of 12 months by identifying their level of perceived global wellness (i.e., whole subjective physical, mental, and social wellness), as defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO).METHODS: This work was carried out at the ENT Clinic of the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli in its ambula-tory unit, in collaboration with psychologists and psychotherapists. Forty-four patients (18 men and 24 women) with a well-defined diagnosis of Meniere's disease were monitored for Quality-of-Life measures within one year of therapeutic results being obtained. The present study aims to evaluate the Quality of Life in patients with Meniere's disease within a time span of 12 months, identifying their level of perceived global wellness, according to the definition of the World Health Organisation (WHO) -i.e., the patients' whole subjective physical, mental, and social wellness. Evaluating the notion of Quality of Life applied to an ill subject means understanding how the patient feels about the course of his/her disease and of its treatment.RESULTS: The analysis of the MMPI2 and the Zung Self-rating Anxiety Scale results at the three measured times (T0-T6-T12) highlighted that all the questionnaires were valid and could be included in the study. This means that none of the participants tried to show an exaggerated or minimized image of his/her symptoms. Results showed that patients with Meniere's disease in this post-treatment period present a psychological profile characterised by varying levels of slight hypochondriac, depressive, and hysteric traits; notes of paranoia; general anxiety symptoms; great dif-ficulty in decision-making; low self-esteem; and difficulties in staying within a group/with others (i.e., a tendency to remain alone).CONCLUSIONS: The perception of the disease in these patients is similar to that of patients with chronic and disabling diseases, and, in the crisis periods, it can be similar to that of dying patients. As literature studies point out the significant worsening of Quality of Life in those with Meniere's disease, the provision of global wellness in terms of psychosocial and social well-being, as suggested by WHO, is paramount. Since the psychological nature of their distress, in addition to the physical one, appears considerable, these patients must be provided with continuative and valid psychological sup-port or counselling by expert psychotherapists and psychiatrists. In the field of legal medicine, significant advances in the assistance and reassurance of patients with Meniere's disease are critically needed. Not only is it difficult to identify proper treatment, but it is also challenging to recognize, define and refund such a variable and often underestimated disease, which leads to a further damaging of the patients. It is thus important to additionally consider the familial and social repercussions of the disease.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
