[Psychological comorbidity in subacute and chronic tinnitus outpatients]

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the study is to assess psychosomatic symptoms and comorbidity in a group of tinnitus out-patients and their correlation with tinnitus distress.

Methods: 32 subacute (duration 3-12 months) and 71 chronic tinnitus patients participated in the study. Questionnaires were used to assess tinnitus distress (German version of the TQ, VAS), psychosomatic symptoms (SCL-90-R, BDI, BAI) coping strategies (KKG, FKV), social support (F-SOZU) and interpersonal problems (IIP-D).

Results: 56 % of subjects met the criteria for a disorder according to DSM-IV (CIDI). Compared to the general population, there is a particularly high comorbidity with anxiety and somatoform disorders. Tinnitus distress was related to depression (BDI), tinnitus loudness and disturbance of activities (59 % explained variance). There were no substantial differences between subacute and chronic tinnitus.

Conclusions: The results stress the importance of diagnostic investigation of comorbidity and psychosomatic symptoms already at the subacute stage in tinnitus patients.