Coexistence of anxiety sensitivity and psychiatric comorbidities in patients with chronic tinnitus

Abstract

BackgroundTinnitus refers to the objective or subjective perception of a series of sounds most frequently described as ringing in the ear or within the head itself. Anxiety and depressive disorders frequently accompany this complaint. In this study, we aimed to investigate the presence of psychiatric symptoms and the degree of anxiety sensitivity in patients with chronic tinnitus.MethodsFifty patients with chronic tinnitus who had been followed up for at least 6 months or longer were enrolled in this study. All subjects completed the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 (ASI-3), Stait-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Symptom Check List-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) questionnaires. Fifty healthy volunteers were given the same tests and a statistical comparison of the psychometric outcome data was done for subjects with and without chronic tinnitus.ResultsPatients with chronic tinnitus demonstrated higher statistically meaningful scores than the healthy group. Comparison between chronic tinnitus group and control group scores showed that patient group has a high rate of statistically significant results than controls; ASI-3, STAI-2, SCL-90-R GSI, SCL-90-R Somatization, SCL-90-R Depression, SCL-90-R Anxiety (z=−8.00, P<0.01), SCL-90-R Phobic Anxiety.ConclusionHigher scores for anxiety sensitivity and other psychiatric symptoms in patients with chronic tinnitus reflects the prevalence of psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, somatoform disorder, and chronic tinnitus. The finding of more psychiatric comorbidity in patients with chronic tinnitus indicates that planning and follow-up in both otolaryngology and psychiatry is necessary to improve the overall results of treatment.

Voice disorders and associated risk markers among young adults in the United States

“…Elevated levels of depression, anxiety, and somatoform disorders have been noted in patients with tinnitus. 42,43 Yet, the association we observe is independent of reported anxiety/panic disorder and depression. Although further study is needed to elucidate biological mechanisms to explain relationships between voice disorders, tinnitus, psychiatric conditions, and possibly migraine headache, greater awareness of voice complaints in people with these conditions may aid in getting people to seek healthcare.…”

Tinnitus Patients Suffering from Anxiety and Depression: A Review

“…Other survey instruments used were Depressive Tendency Questionnaire (DTQ), Illness Attitude Scale, Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire-44 (OBQ-44), International Statistical Classification of Diseases 9 (ICD-9), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, and Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23] .…”

Characteristics of tinnitus in adolescents and association with psychoemotional factors

“…These changes, which may influence the occurrence of various psychoemotional disorders and represent a psychological burden, appear to affect the development of tinnitus. Previous studies have also suggested that adolescents are psychologically vulnerable to depression and anxiety, factors that may also contribute to tinnitus . Several psychiatric disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and somatoform disorder, have been reported to be more prevalent in tinnitus patients.…”

“…Previous studies have also suggested that adolescents are psychologically vulnerable to depression and anxiety, factors that may also contribute to tinnitus. 8,25,26 Several psychiatric disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and somatoform disorder, have been reported to be more prevalent in tinnitus patients. This relationship with psychological conditions, including anxiety and depression, was present even after adjusting for neuroticism.…”