Meeting abstract

https://doi.org/10.24869/spsih.2026.244

Tinnitus as a Biopsychosocial Phenomenon: Associations With Anxiety, Depression, and Stress Among Nonpsychotic Outpatients

Tea Plišić ; Dubrava University Hospital, Avenija Gojka Šuška 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia *
Maja Vilibić ; Sisters of Charity University Hospital, Vinogradska ulica 29, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Branimir Margetić ; Dubrava University Hospital, Avenija Gojka Šuška 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Anja Melada Žaja ; Dubrava University Hospital, Avenija Gojka Šuška 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Stipe Drmić ; Dubrava University Hospital, Avenija Gojka Šuška 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; Faculty of Health Sciences, Sveučilište u Splitu, Ruđera Boškovića 35, 21000 Split, Croatia
Branka Aukst Margetić ; Dubrava University Hospital, Avenija Gojka Šuška 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the association
between tinnitus intensity and depression,
anxiety, and stress in non-psychotic outpatients.
Introduction: Tinnitus as a symptom is
a subjective perception of sound or noise in the
ears without an external auditory stimulus, thus
creating a phantom sound in the ear or head. Today,
tinnitus is not considered solely an otologic
symptom, but a complex phenomenon whose experience
is substantially influenced by emotional and cognitive factors. The prevalence of tinnitus
is similar to that of migraine and other pain conditions,
representing a considerable burden for
the individual and the healthcare system. Methods:
This cross-sectional study included 55 outpatients
who reported tinnitus. Exclusion criteria
were psychotic disorders and pronounced cognitive
difficulties. Participants were assessed using
the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21)
and the Tinnitus Visual Analogue Scale (TVAS), on
which they rated the subjective intensity of tinnitus
on a scale from 0 to 10. The distribution
of scores on the depression, anxiety, and stress
subscales and on the TVAS was normal, so parametric
statistical methods were applied. Statistical
significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The
mean depression score was 10.58 ± 13.22 points,
the mean anxiety score 9.69 ± 6.57 points, and
the mean stress score 11.52 ± 5.50 points. The
mean tinnitus intensity on the TVAS was 5.62 ±
2.15. Most participants achieved scores indicating
a marked presence of depressive and anxiety
symptoms and stress. A statistically significant
positive correlation was found between tinnitus
intensity and age (r = 0.351; p = 0.009), and between
tinnitus intensity and anxiety (r = 0.348;
p = 0.010). No statistically significant differences
in tinnitus intensity were found with respect to
sex. Conclusion: In a population of non-psychotic
outpatients, higher tinnitus intensity is associated
with higher levels of anxiety and older age. The
results point to the important role of anxiety in
the subjective experience of tinnitus and emphasize
the need for an integrated biopsychosocial
approach to the assessment and treatment of patients
with tinnitus.

Keywords

tinnitus; anxiety; depression; stress; psychiatric patients

Hrčak ID:

352907

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/352907

Publication date:

15.6.2026.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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