The prevalence of psychological disturbance in neurotology outpatients

This study assesses the prevalence of psychological disturbance among a consecutive series of 120 neuro-otology outpatients, using a structured interview conducted by a clinical psychologist. 42% of all patients were found to be in need of, and were offered, psychological help (27% of those with hearing loss, 45% of those with tinnitus and 64% of those with dizziness). 86% of those offered psychological help accepted it. Current psychological distress was associated with the number of symptoms complained of and past psychiatric history. Patients completed the General Health Questionnaire which was found to have a sensitivity rate of 82% and a specificity rate of 87% in this setting. Physicians were also asked to rate patients' psychological state; close agreement was found between these ratings and those of a psychologist. The contribution of psychological assessment of neuro-otology patients is discussed.