Psychologic/psychiatric assessment

Abstract

Keypoints: 1. Psychiatric comorbidity occurs frequently in patients with tinnitus, especially in moderate to severe forms. 2. Depression and anxiety are the most frequently found comorbid conditions. 3. Tinnitus severity and impairment in quality of life can be linked to psychiatric symptoms. 4. For every professional who treats tinnitus patients, it is important to recognize signs of potential psychiatric comorbidity. 5. Potential warning signs are high scores in tinnitus questionnaires. Screening instruments that are easy to use may help to identify comorbid psychiatric disorders such as depression or anxiety. 6. Further diagnosis and treatment should be done by specialists such as psychiatrists or psychologists. 7. Patients who appear suicidal should be promptly referred to a psychiatrist. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2011.