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Relationship between tinnitus severity and psychiatric disorders.
Sigyn Zöger1, Jan Svedlund, Kajsa-Mia Holgers
1Institute of Clinical Neuroscience, Dept. of Psychiatry, Sahlgrenska Univ. Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Psychosomatics
|July 18, 2006
Summary
The severity of tinnitus is closely linked to depression and anxiety disorders. This study found that tinnitus severity explains about 20% of the variance in these psychiatric conditions.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- A known association exists between tinnitus and psychiatric disorders.
- The relationship between tinnitus severity and psychiatric conditions requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between tinnitus severity and the prevalence and severity of anxiety and depressive disorders.
- To quantify the contribution of tinnitus severity to psychiatric comorbidities.
Main Methods:
- Two patient groups (n=80 and n=144) were studied.
- Tinnitus severity was assessed using clinical grading and the Tinnitus Severity Questionnaire.
- Psychiatric disorders were diagnosed using DSM-III-R criteria, and anxiety/depression severity was measured with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale (CPRS-S-A).
Main Results:
- Significant correlations were found between tinnitus severity and depression in both groups.
- Correlations between tinnitus severity and anxiety reached statistical significance only in the high-risk group.
- Tinnitus severity accounted for approximately 20% of the variance in the observed association with psychiatric disorders.
Conclusions:
- Tinnitus severity is significantly associated with psychiatric disorders, including anxiety and depression.
- The findings highlight the importance of considering tinnitus severity in managing psychiatric comorbidities in patients with tinnitus.