Prevalence and characterization of tinnitus in patients with mental disorders in the context of primary health care.

PURPOSE: To estimate the prevalence and characterize tinnitus in patients with mental disorders.

METHODS

Observational study conducted with patients enrolled in the mental health care pathway of a primary health care service within the supplementary system. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and the Visual Analog Scale were used to assess tinnitus, while the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale was applied to evaluate psychobehavioral aspects.

RESULTS

Tinnitus was reported by nearly half of the study population. Stress was the most reported triggering factor, and higher scores of anxiety, depression, and stress were observed among participants with tinnitus. Most participants presented moderate discomfort, and overall burden ranged from negligible to mild.

CONCLUSION

A high prevalence of tinnitus with moderate to severe discomfort was observed in participants with mental disorders. An association was found between tinnitus and severe symptoms of anxiety and stress, underscoring the importance of multidisciplinary management for this population.