Medical-psychological interventions in ORL: A new approach to patients with Meniere's disease

Joint medical-psychological consultations (JMPC) represent a new technique designed to better evaluate and help patients suffering from different chronic disorders. The technique is original in that two therapists, a physician and a psychologist, are present from the beginning to the end of the consultation. The dual aspect of the disease, somatic and psychological, is discussed according to predefined and fundamental rules. A JMPC was established in 1992 for patients suffering from Meniere's disease. This paper describes how patients express their fear of vertigo, aggravated by the fact that its onset is unexpectable. They may also express their familial, social and professional difficulties resulting from the disease, as well as their own ideas of the problem. Some patients develop signs of a phobic behavior or depression which may persist even after the vertigo has been definitely cured. The JMPC doubtless improves the physician-patient relationship. Further research is necessary to demonstrate that it improves the outcome of the disease. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.