Positive experiences and quality of life in Ménière's disorder

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of positive experiences on the quality of life of patients with Ménière's disorder. Its deign comprised a cross-sectional investigation of members of a self-help group, using a questionnaire of positive experiences, an oto-neurological questionnaire, EuroQol, and Ménière's impact rating. The study sample was 542 members of the Finnish Ménière Federation. Results showed that the positive questions explained 21% of the variance of the EuroQol TTO, 31% of the EuroQol VAS measure, and 35% of the Ménière's impact. This compared with 40% of the variance explained by symptomatic complaints. When both the symptoms and positive measures were taken together, there was an increase in the proportion of the variance explained for the VAS (42%) and Ménière's rating (50%), but not for the TTO (42%). A perspective on the disorder was the main positive experience associated with the increased variance explained. Positive experiences have a significant impact on self-rated quality of life. The results suggest that encouraging a positive perspective on the condition, in addition to treating the underlying symptoms, could be useful in rehabilitative management.