Ménière's Disease and Behavioral Characteristics

Abstract

We performed a questionnaire-study of the life-styles of 150 people who were working in the same company (as control) and 21 patients with Ménière's disease. The questionnaire consisted of questions on causative stress, behavioral characteristics (type A, self-restraint, escape), and relaxation. Patients with Ménière's disease showed significantly higher scores on the behavioral characteristics questions than controls. However, the scores on causative stress and relaxation questions were not different between the two groups. Thus, behavioral characteristics may play an important role in diagnosing the onset of Ménière's disease. We conclude that patients with early-stage Ménière's disease should be treated using relaxation therapy as well as by paying attention to their overall life-style.