Vol.97 No.2 contentsPRACTICA OTO-RHINO-LARYNGOLOGICA
Vol. 97 No. 2 February 2004
Behavioral Characteristics in Patients of
Endolymphatic Hydrops
Masahiro Takahashi, Junichi Ohnuki and Masahiro Iida
(Tokai University School of Medicine)
To find the cause of idiopathic endolymphatic hydrops, we conducted a questionnaire-based study of patients (n＝209) and workers in a company (n＝3,410). The questionnaire included items related to lifestyle (n＝8), behavior (n＝24), stress and stressors (n＝22), relaxation (n＝11), and physical symptoms (n＝5). Further, the degrees to which stressors contributed to the onset of or worsened the disease were investigated by questionnaire in the patient group (n＝120). The patients, compared to the workers, had fewer holidays (P＜0.0001) and a stronger propensity (P＜0.005) to immerse themselves in whatever they do, to be a perfectionist, to worry before doing something, to swallow their disgust, to strive to meet superiors' expectations, and to be easily irritated or touchy. They also had fewer opportunities to enjoy sports and pleasant chats, and they were more nervous about personal relations (P＜0.05). Seventy percent of the patients noted that stress was a factor either in the onset or worsening of the disease. Whereas stressors common to every age group were the pressure of business and want of sleep, job-related stressors were often noted by men and home-related stressors by women. Want of sleep, personal relations at work, and troubles at home were remarkable in patients in their twenties, forties and sixties, respectively. The present results suggest that the cause of idiopathic endolymphatic hydrops lies in weariness or exhaustion produced by characteristic behaviors and want of relaxation. A poor prognosis may result from behavioral patterns that are hard to change. New diagnostic standards and new treatment guidelines in the early stage of the disease are required to prevent recurrence.
Key words : Meniere's disease, behavioral characteristics, questionnaire, stress