Nasal obstruction in adults: how it affects psychological status?

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the psychological status of patients with unilateral or bilateral complete nasal obstruction.

METHOD: The study included 49 consecutive cases of unilateral or bilateral complete nasal obstruction. In order to assess participants' personality traits, both groups completed the Personality Belief Questionnaire, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory form, Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Anxiety Inventory.

RESULTS

The groups were similar in terms of demographic characteristics. Patients with unilateral or bilateral complete nasal obstruction had higher scores on all the psychological assessments compared with the healthy controls, except for the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Although all personality assessment scores were higher in patients, the only differences that were statistically significant were in the dependent, antisocial and avoidant personality trait scores.

CONCLUSION

The psychological conditions of patients with structural deformities that cause nasal obstruction may be affected, and appropriate treatment should be provided to improve their symptoms and quality of life.