Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Mental Health

Area of Science:

• Medical research
• Public health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is increasingly recognized for its association with mental health conditions.
• The interplay between CRS, anxiety, and depression, particularly concerning socioeconomic factors and temporality, requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the bidirectional risk between chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and the development of anxiety and depression.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective cohort study utilized the National Institutes of Health All of Us database (2008-2018).
• Adult patients were propensity score matched (1:5) based on age, sex, race, and income, comparing those with and without CRS.
• Multivariate logistic regression and survival analyses assessed the primary outcomes of anxiety and depression development and the risk of developing CRS.

Main Results:

• Patients with CRS exhibited significantly higher odds of having anxiety (OR, 4.39) and depression (OR, 2.04).
• Individuals with CRS faced an increased risk of developing anxiety (HR, 2.79) and depression (HR, 1.40).
• Conversely, patients with anxiety or depression showed an elevated risk of developing CRS (HRs 2.37 and 1.59, respectively).

Conclusions:

• A significant bidirectional association exists between chronic rhinosinusitis and common psychiatric disorders like anxiety and depression.
• Healthcare providers should be aware of this link and implement appropriate screening for patients with CRS, anxiety, or depression.