Correlation Between Tinnitus Handicap and Depression and Anxiety Scores

Abstract

Objectives This study aimed to analyse the correlation between depression, anxiety, and tinnitus handicap in patients with primary tinnitus. Methods A total of 102 patients (41 men, 61 women; mean age ± SD: 56.8 ± 11.6 years) were examined. They completed the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Symptom-Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R). Correlations were analysed using Pearson’s and Spearman’s tests. Logistic regression analysis was performed. Results The demographic data suggested a slight female predominance. The THI questionnaires indicated a worsening handicap in 73.5% of the patients, of which the ‘mild’ category was the most frequent, followed by severe handicaps. According to BDI, 69.6% of individuals fell in the normal category, with mild cases being the most frequent. Of the two psychiatric symptoms, depression (BDI) and tinnitus were strongly correlated (rho= 0.579, P < .0001*). The correlation was also significant according to the SCL-90-R depression questions (rho= 0.523, P < .0001*). Upon comparing the depressive scores and the THI subscores (i.e., functional, emotional, and catastrophic), each showed a significant correlation, with the strongest correlation with functional and emotional scores. The correlation with anxiety was slightly weaker (rho= 0.480, P < .0001*) but also significant. According to the Kaplan–Meier curves and logistic regression, the appearance of depressive symptoms did not significantly influence the appearance of a worsening handicap [ P = .428; OR: 1.124 (95% CI: 0.842–1.501)]. However, a worsening handicap significantly influenced the appearance of depressive symptoms [ P < .0001*; OR: 1.35 (95% CI: 1.34–4.86)], indicating that tinnitus has a more expressed effect on the appearance of depressive symptoms than reversed. Conclusions The correlation between tinnitus handicap and psychiatric comorbidities indicates the importance of psychological factors in tinnitus management. Tinnitus handicap has a more profound effect on depression scores. To avoid the occurrence of comorbidities, tinnitus handicaps must be reduced.