Frequency of Chronic Otitis Media in Schizophrenic Patients

Abstract

Aim: In this study, it is aimed to determine the frequency of chronic otitis media (COM) in schizophrenic patients, and to examine whether there is a correlation between schizophrenia and COM. Methods: We assessed 97 patients who were being monitored with the diagnosis of schizophrenia, according to DSM-IV, and were receiving outpatient care in a center specialized on the treatment of schizophrenia. The findings were compared with the findings of 96 subjects in the control group, consisting of healthy individuals without psychiatric conditions. In addition, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory (EHI) were administered to patients with schizophrenia and the EHI was applied to the controls. Results: No statistically significant difference in the frequency of COM was determined between schizophrenia and control groups (p=0.3). Likewise, no significant difference was found with respect to the frequency of right COM (p=0.2) and left COM (p=0.9) between schizophrenia and control groups. Conclusion: Our hypothesis concerning the possible correlation between schizophrenia and COM or possible greater incidence of COM in schizophrenia patients, has not been confirmed with this study. (The Medical Bulletin of Haseki 2015; 53:153-6)

Keywords

• Schizophrenia
• chronic autitis media
• temporal lobe