Prevalence of depression and antidepressant use in an otolaryngology patient population

To determine the prevalence of depressive diagnoses and antidepressant use in various subsets of otolaryngology patients.

Academic practice EMR database query.

Over 12,000 consecutive otolaryngology patients were analyzed by primary diagnosis and in three groups: Group 1 (tinnitus, vertigo), Group 2 (rhinosinusitis), and Group 3 (sleep apnea). The number with depressive diagnoses and/or those taking antidepressants was determined.

The prevalence of any depressive diagnosis was 11 percent, and 18 percent had been prescribed antidepressants. The prevalence of depression was 13 percent, 10 percent, and 14 percent for Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Antidepressants had been prescribed in 21 percent, 15 percent, and 28 percent, respectively. The primary-encounter diagnosis with the highest incidence of depression (21%) and antidepressant use (46%) was sleep apnea with insomnia.

Otolaryngology patients may exhibit greater prevalence of depression than is observed in the general population (7.3%). Highest prevalence was found in patients with inner ear disease and sleep apnea. Depression may be a cause of significant comorbidity in patients with chronic otolaryngic conditions.