Evaluation of depression and anxiety in empty nose syndrome after surgical treatment

Objectives/Hypothesis Empty nose syndrome (ENS) is often associated with psychological symptoms. With the absence of psychiatric instruments utilized in the current literature, the assessment of psychological disorder is limited, and the effectiveness of surgical intervention in improving such disorders in ENS are not well understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the change in depression and anxiety before and after surgical treatment for ENS Study Design Prospective cohort study in a tertiary medical center. Methods ENS patients indicated for surgical treatment were enrolled. The Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI‐II) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) questionnaires were completed by these patients before and after surgery to assess the level of depression and anxiety. Results A total of 20 patients completed the BDI‐II and BAI before and after surgical treatment. A majority of patients developed depression and anxiety prior to surgical treatment. The severity of depression and anxiety were significantly decreased following the surgery; the mean scores of both the BDI‐II and BAI improved from moderate severity to normal (both P < .001). The preoperative total score was found to be a powerful predictor for the postoperative improvement in both BDI‐II and BAI (P < .001). Female patients had significantly worse preoperative scores (P = .005) and greater postoperative improvement (P = .012) in the BDI‐II. Conclusions Depression and anxiety are psychological disorders prevalent among ENS patients. Surgical treatment for ENS is effective in improving depression and anxiety. Patients with worse preoperative BDI‐II and BAI scores as well as female patients may be better candidates for surgical intervention. Level of Evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 126:1284–1289, 2016