Related Experiment Videos
Chronic tinnitus: association with psychiatric diagnoses
J Harrop-Griffiths1, W Katon, R Dobie
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle 98195.
Journal of Psychosomatic Research
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Severe tinnitus is strongly linked to major depression, with nearly half of patients experiencing current depression. Treatment should address both tinnitus and co-existing depression for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Otolaryngology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Tinnitus is a common auditory perception often associated with significant distress.
- The relationship between severe tinnitus and psychiatric comorbidities, particularly depression, requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of major depression in patients with severe tinnitus.
- To compare the psychological and psychosocial burden between tinnitus patients and controls.
Main Methods:
- Structured psychiatric interviews using the National Institute of Mental Health Diagnostic Interview Schedule.
- Administration of the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (SCL-90) and the Chronic Illness Problem Inventory.
- Comparison of 21 severe tinnitus patients with 14 hearing loss controls.
Main Results:
- Tinnitus patients showed significantly higher lifetime (62% vs 21%) and current (48% vs 7%) major depression prevalence than controls.
- Currently depressed tinnitus patients had elevated SCL-90 scores across most subscales compared to non-depressed tinnitus patients and controls.
- Tinnitus patients, especially those with depression, reported greater psychosocial problems and disability.
Conclusions:
- Severe tinnitus is frequently comorbid with major depression.
- Psychological distress and disability are significantly higher in tinnitus patients with depression.
- Integrated treatment strategies addressing both tinnitus and depression are crucial for patient well-being.