Abstract
To compare the frequency of symptoms of detachment from the self or from the environment (DD) in patients with an acquired deficiency of the special senses, a questionnaire for DD symptoms [12] and the GHQ12 questionnaire for common mental disorders [16] were auto-administered to patients with hearing-loss (N = 40), peripheral vestibular disease (N = 40) or bilateral retinal disease (N = 40), and to 80 healthy subjects. Patients with retinal disease and patients with vestibular disease reported DD symptoms more frequently & severe than patients with hearing loss and healthy subjects. DD scores were related to the GHQ12 scores and to the type of sensory dysfunction. DD symptoms are more frequent & severe in patients with an acquired deficiency of the special senses, associated to symptoms of common mental disorders.