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Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory in tinnitus disorders
L Collet1, M F Moussu, F Disant
1Laboratoire d'explorations fonctionnelles neurosensorielles, Hôpital Edouard-Herriot, Lyon, France.
Summary
This study found that most tinnitus sufferers have normal Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) profiles. However, males showed higher depression scores, and hypochondria related to tinnitus duration, while psychoasthenia linked to hearing loss.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Otolaryngology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Tinnitus is a common auditory disorder.
- The psychological impact of tinnitus is not fully understood.
- Previous research has drawn analogies between tinnitus and chronic pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the psychometric characteristics of individuals with tinnitus using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI).
- To identify potential correlations between specific MMPI scales and tinnitus-related factors such as duration and hearing loss.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 100 subjects diagnosed with tinnitus disorders was assessed.
- The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) was administered to all participants.
- Statistical analysis was performed to correlate MMPI scores with tinnitus characteristics.
Main Results:
- The overall MMPI profile for tinnitus sufferers was found to be within the normal range.
- Males with tinnitus exhibited higher scores on the depression scale.
- High scores on the hypochondria scale were associated with a longer duration of tinnitus.
- Elevated psychoasthenia scores correlated with the presence of hearing loss.
Conclusions:
- Tinnitus sufferers generally present with normal psychological profiles on the MMPI.
- Specific psychological traits, such as depression, hypochondria, and psychoasthenia, may be associated with certain aspects of tinnitus.
- The psychometric profile of tinnitus differs significantly from that of headaches, despite similarities noted with chronic pain conditions.