Correlation Between Anxiety, Depression, and Self-Perceived Hoarseness: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

OBJECTIVE

This review aims to evaluate the correlation between anxiety, depression, and self-perceived hoarseness in patients with dysphonia.

STUDY

DESIGN

Systematic review.

METHODS

A systematic search of Medline, PubMed, and Cochrane databases was performed. Studies focusing on the relationship between anxiety, depression, and self-reported voice measures in dysphonic patients were included, while duplicates, incomplete data, animal studies, and reviews were excluded, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses guidelines.

RESULTS

Of the 416 articles identified, 24 papers were reviewed. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria and were included. Most studies used the Voice Handicap Index (VHI), VHI-10, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale as assessment tools. The studies demonstrated a positive correlation of varying degrees between anxiety, depression, and self-perceived hoarseness, except for patients with spasmodic dysphonia in one study.

CONCLUSION

This review highlights significant positive correlation between anxiety, depression, and self-perceived hoarseness, emphasizing the importance of early identification and treatment of mental health issues to improve patient outcomes.