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Depression and 'hassles' in globus pharyngis
I J Deary1, A Smart, J A Wilson
1Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh.
Summary
Patients with globus sensation, a feeling of a lump in the throat, experience higher levels of depression and stress. This study found globus patients were significantly more depressed and reported more daily stressful events than controls.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Psychiatry
- Psychosomatic Medicine
Background:
- Globus sensation is a common condition presenting in Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) clinics.
- The psychological factors contributing to globus sensation require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between globus sensation and psychological distress, including depression and daily stressful life events.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 25 patients with globus sensation and 25 matched ENT controls.
- Assessment included the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and scales for daily stressful events ('hassles').
- Analysis compared depression scores, recent life events, and hassles between patients and controls.
Main Results:
- Globus patients exhibited significantly higher Beck Depression Inventory scores, indicating greater depressive symptoms compared to controls.
- A higher proportion of globus patients (13) reported a significant independent life event within two months of symptom onset, versus only two controls.
- Patients with globus sensation reported significantly higher scores on daily stressful life events ('hassles') than the control group.
Conclusions:
- Depression and increased exposure to stressful life events are significantly associated with globus sensation.
- Psychological factors, particularly depression and stress, may play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of globus sensation.
- Further research into the psychosomatic aspects of globus sensation is warranted.