Abstract
We compiled the results of stress testing (using STAI: State-Trait-Anxiety-Inventory) in patients with ENT diseases admitted to our clinic in 2013. We categorized cases with STAI scores of IV and V into the high score group. High STAI scores were observed at high rates in several ENT disease groups: 47.1% (A-Trait: Trait anxiety) and 80.8% (A-State: State anxiety) in the “vertigo group,” comprising patients with peripheral vertigo and Meniere' disease; 50.0% (A-Trait) and 69.7% (A-State) in the “hearing-loss group,” comprising patients with sudden deafness, low-tone sudden deafness, etc.; 42.9% (A-Trait) and 57.1% (A-State) in the “abnormal sensation group,” comprising patients with laryngopharyngeal abnormal sensation and reflux esopagitis. These rates are much higher than the reported rate of 30～40% for healthy adults showing with STAI scores of IV or V. Our data show that stress is involved in these ENT diseases and also that the STAI is a useful tool for objectively quantifying the stress.
