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

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

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.

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.

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.