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

Background Meniere'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 Meniere'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 Meniere'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 Meniere's disease.