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