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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Quality of Life and Occupational Disability in Endocrine Orbitopathy

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SUMMARY Background: In endocrine orbitopathy (EO), disfiguring proptosis and diplopia impair patients' quality of life both at home and at work. Methods: From late 2006 to the beginning of 2008, 250 outpatients in an interdisciplinary thyroid and eye clinic filled out a questionnaire about their quality of life, occupational disability, and use of psychotherapy. 400 physicians who referred their EO patients to the clinic also participated in a survey on these issues. Results: 45% of the patients complained of restrictions in their daily activities, and 38% reported impaired selfperception. 36% were on sick leave because of EO. 28% were disabled, 5% had retired early, and 3% had lost their jobs. Patients with severe EO and motility disorders were on sick leave for longer times and were more likely to be disabled. 21% underwent psychotherapy. Patients who had been on sick leave for a long time and/or were disabled were more likely to undergo psychotherapy. Among the physicians answering the survey, 75% stated that they were taking care of temporarily disabled patients, while 34% were taking care of permanently disabled patients. 38% were treating EO patients who were undergoing psychotherapy. Conclusions: These data indicate that patients with EO suffer considerable emotional stress and occupational impairment and point to the need for preventive care and rapid rehabilitation. Dtsch Arztebl Int 2009; 106(17): 283–9 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2009.0283