142 The Journal of Medical Research 2022; 8(4):142-145 Research Article JMR 2022; 8(4):142-145 July- August ISSN:2395-7565 © 2022, All rights reserved www.medicinearticle.com Received:28-07-2022 Accepted:23-08-2022 *Corresponding author: Dr. Aarzoo Suman Department of Psychiatry, Gian Sagar Medical College and Hospital, Village Ramnagar, Tehsil Rajpura, District Rajpura-140506, Punjab, India Email: aarzoosuman@gmail.com Prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients with tinnitus Manpreet Singh 1 , Atul Bhardwaj 2 , Isha Goyal 3 , Aarzoo Suman 4 , Hardik Pahuja 4 1 Department of Psychiatry, Gian Sagar Medical College and Hospital, Rajpura, Punjab, India 2 Consultant Psychiatrist, A Beautiful Mind Clinic, Lehragaga, Sangrur, Punjab, India 3 Department of ENT, Gian Sagar Medical College and Hospital, Rajpura, Punjab, India 4 Department of Psychiatry, Gian Sagar Medical College and Hospital, Rajpura, Punjab, India 5 Department of Psychiatry, Gian Sagar Medical College and Hospital, Rajpura, Punjab, India Abstract Background: Tinnitus is phantom sound sensation in absence of external source of sound. A close association has been demonstrated between tinnitus and comorbid psychological disorders. In patients suffering from tinnitus a higher prevalence of anxiety and depression has been reported. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess prevalence of depression and anxiety in patients suffering from tinnitus. Materials and Methods: It was cross sectional study conducted at a tertiary care hospital of Punjab. The study recruited 50 patients with history of tinnitus of time period more than twelve months of duration after taking written informed consent. The inclusion criteria was Patients over the age of 18, Patients having tinnitus for past 1 year duration. Patients with prior history of psychiatric illness were excluded. Depression was assessed by using Hamilton rating scale for depression(HRSD) and anxiety by Hamilton anxiety rating scale [18] (HAM-A). Appropiate statistical analysis was done. Results and Conclusion: Most of the study sample [27 (54%)] were in the age group of 41-50. Females outnumbered males. Majority of patients were suffering from tinnitus from last 1-5 years (33). Out of 50 subjects, depression was present in 43 patients and anxiety in 14 patients. There was strong correlation between female gender and depression and anxiety. Keywords: Anxiety, Depression, Tinnitus, Prevalence. INTRODUCTION Tinnitus can be defined as a perception of sound resulting from activity within nervous system without corresponding activity within cochlea and not relating to external stimuli. It can also be defined as a phantom sound sensation in absence of external source of sound. It occurs in about 17% of the population and about 1-5% can develop complications of psychosocial nature [1-3] . It can be perceived in either or both ears and is either intermittent or continuous. The sound can vary from something simple as a whistle to something complex as music. The spectrum of sounds may include hissing, ringing, roaring, clicking or chirping. Tinnitus can occur without hearing loss. Chronic tinnitus is prevalent more in elderly than in younger age group, although it can occur at any age [4,5] . In about 2-3% of general population tinnitus sensation has been found to be disturbing and affecting the quality of life. It can present along with sleep disorder, working difficulty, hearing difficulty and negative emotional reactions. The noise which is continuous can cause a lot of stress and irritation. Symptoms, in some, can be severe that they are unable to lead a normal life. Management of tinnitus may require a multidisciplinary approach. A close association has been demonstrated between tinnitus and comorbid psychological disorders. In patients suffering from tinnitus ahigher prevalence of anxiety and depression has been reported. In patients with tinnitus depression has been described in up to 33% [6] . Anxiety has also been associated and can be seen in up to 45% of patients with tinnitus [7] . Because of the higher prevalence of anxiety, depression and tinnitus, it requires a review of literature to evaluate the link between these diseases. The diagnosis of anxiety and depression is generally done upon fulfilling the DSM-V diagnostic criteria [8] . It can be argued and discussed that patients with tinnitus score low on well-being and self-esteem assessments [9-13] . To be able to give adequate treatment for psychological distress, there should be screening or assessment of patients with tinnitus. Many researchers state that chronic pain and