[Depression and anxiety : Prevalence among ENT outpatients]

Few data exist on the prevalence of comorbid mental disorders among ENT patients. This investigation aimed to assess the prevalence of two disorders frequent in our society, namely depression and anxiety, in patients of an ENT outpatient clinic.

During a 2‑week period, 101 consecutive patients were interviewed with the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI II) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) screening aids.

Of 97 evaluated tests, 38% contained indications of a psychiatric problem or mental comorbidity. The proportion of moderate and severe depressive syndromes, anxiety disorders, and combined disorders was only 11.3%. There were no significant differences between genders or in terms of acute vs. chronic ENT diseases. The highest frequency of pathological test results was observed in the group of patients with cochleovestibular disorders. An astoundingly high number of conspicuous test results were seen in patients with trivial diseases and disorders, as well as among those with chronic obstructive disorders of the nose and sinuses.

The finding of a considerable prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities among ENT patients represents important information for the treating physician. BDI II and BAI were found to be reliable and easy to apply in the outpatient clinic.