Commun Med (Lond). 2024 Nov 21;4(1):242. doi: 10.1038/s43856-024-00678-6.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Tinnitus can cause considerable psychological distress among patients, particularly if comorbidities occur. Despite a strong relationship between tinnitus-related distress and depression, the underlying mechanisms represent a long-standing question. By investigating the co-development of tinnitus-related distress and depressiveness throughout therapy, we capture the dynamic interplay of both conditions and uncover underlying common features mediating their link.
METHODS: Large datasets from two different day clinics in Germany have been analyzed using a regularization method for predictor selection (analysis 1) and latent growth curve modeling (LCM; analysis 2). Tinnitus-related distress was assessed using the Tinnitus Questionnaire (TQ). All patients have been experiencing chronic subjective tinnitus with a minimum mean severity level of TQ grade 2. Treatment at both day clinics involved tinnitus management according to clinical guidelines with minor idiosyncratic differences. Analysis 1 was performed on a dataset of 500 patients who received the Jena Interdisciplinary Treatment for Tinnitus (JITT) for 5 consecutive days between 2013 and 2017. Analysis 2 was performed on a second dataset, which included 1016 patients treated at the Tinnitus Center of the Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin for 7 days between 2011 and 2015.
RESULTS: Here, we show a substantial bidirectional relationship between tinnitus-related distress and depression severity while emphasizing the role of somatic symptoms and perceived stress in the experience and maintenance of tinnitus awareness. The LCM provides adequate model fit (CFI = 0.993, SRMR = 0.016).
CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate enhanced therapy success in depression when tinnitus-related distress is addressed and vice versa. The combined treatment of tinnitus and depression is proposed for future treatment strategies.
PMID:39572778 | DOI:10.1038/s43856-024-00678-6
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