Association between major depressive disorder and subsequent tinnitus: A population-based study

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Psychiatry
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• The relationship between major depressive disorder (MDD) and tinnitus remains unclear in previous research.
• A significant need exists to clarify the association between MDD and the onset of tinnitus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between major depressive disorder (MDD) and new-onset tinnitus.
• To utilize a large-scale, population-based dataset for robust analysis.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study design was employed.
• Data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Database included 18,365 patients with tinnitus (cases) and 18,365 propensity score-matched controls without tinnitus.
• Logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for the association between prior MDD and tinnitus.

Main Results:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD) was diagnosed in 2.16% of tinnitus cases versus 1.24% of controls.
• Prior MDD was significantly associated with an increased risk of tinnitus (adjusted OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.47-2.05).
• Significant associations were noted in subgroups, including patients with diabetes (aOR, 2.05) and hyperlipidemia (aOR, 1.94).

Conclusions:

• A positive association exists between prior major depressive disorder (MDD) and tinnitus onset.
• MDD may be identified as a potential risk factor for developing tinnitus.
• Clinicians should monitor tinnitus in MDD patients and offer timely interventions.