Objective:

To evaluate the association between tinnitus severity and levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms in patients with chronic tinnitus.

Approach:

Key Findings:

• Greater tinnitus severity was independently associated with higher levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms.
• 28% of patients met criteria for moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms.
• 31% of patients met criteria for anxiety symptoms.
• Tinnitus severity accounted for 25% of the variation in depressive symptoms and 21% in anxiety symptoms.
• Patients with severe tinnitus had 3.1 times the odds of moderate-to-severe depression and 2.8 times the odds of moderate-to-severe anxiety compared to those with mild tinnitus.

Interpretation:

The study indicates a significant correlation between tinnitus severity and mood disorders, suggesting that managing tinnitus may be crucial for improving mental health outcomes.

Limitations:

• Cross-sectional design limits causal inference.
• Single-center setting may affect generalizability.
• Lack of a control group.
• Reliance on self-reported measures.

Conclusion:

Greater tinnitus severity is independently associated with elevated symptom severity of depression and anxiety.

Sources:

• Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment
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