[The relationship between tinnitus, personality, and depression].
OBJECTIVE
This study examines the relationship between personality characteristics, depression symptoms, demographic profile, and the amount of the tinnitus-related distress experienced.


METHODS
121 patients suffering from tinnitus were examined by unique testing in a tinnitus-practice via three questionnaires over a period of 22 months.


RESULTS
A relationship between the severity of tinnitus-related distress and demographic profile as well as a relationship between depression symptoms and the severity of the tinnitus-related distress could be shown. Also, significant results were observed within the personality range in the areas of "impulsiveness," "aggressiveness," "demands," "physical discomfort," "health worries," und "emotionality."


CONCLUSIONS
Patients suffering severely from tinnitus represent a clinically relevant group for psychotherapeutic treatment. Especially persons with comorbid symptoms of depression should be screened regularly and offered additional psychotherapeutic or psychiatric treatment.
Weber
Judith Hanna
JH
Evangelisches Krankenhaus Wien. jhweber@chello.at
Jagsch
Reinhold
R
Hallas
Barbara
B
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015897:Comorbidity; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D011613:Psychotherapy; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012803:Sick Role; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000523:psychology*