Psychosocial aspects of coping with tinnitus and psoriasis patients A comparative study of suicidal tendencies, anxiety and depression

Treatment of tinnitus is primarily the task of ENT specialists, while treatment of the psychiatric diseases lies in the hand of psychotherapists. Different from mostly very apparent dermatological diseases, the severity level of tinnitus can often only be determined by psychological test batteries as well as a specific psychosomatic exploration. In this study patients with psoriasis were compared with tinnitus patients regarding quality of life, anxiety, depression and imminent suicidal tendencies, in order to realize the psychological impact and find appropriate instruments for treatment. Between February and April 2005, 89 tinnitus patients, who underwent in-patient therapy in a neurootological and psychosomatic hospital, and 105 psoriasis patients, who had in-patient treatment from October 1999 until October 2004 in a specialized clinic, were examined with psychological tests, which included the Tinnitus questionnaire proposed by Goebel und Hiller, the Symptoms Check List of Derogatis SCL-90-R, the HADS and the suicide rating according to Poldinger. Tinnitus in-patients suffered significantly more from suicidal tendencies, depression and anxiety in contrast to patients with psoriasis, who suffered more from problems associated with their outward appearance. The use of a specific psychological test diagnostic is very helpful in the hand of the ENT specialist, but the Tinnitus questionnaire of Goebel and Hiller enables an initial screening.