ENT Clinic Visitors in Saudi Arabia Often Face Depression and Anxiety

A recent survey looked at adults who visit ear, nose and throat clinics in Saudi Arabia. Researchers asked 1,020 people to fill out an online questionnaire. The tools used were Arabic versions of two standard screening scales.

About 38 percent of participants showed moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Roughly 31 percent showed moderate to severe anxiety symptoms. These rates are higher than many might expect for a general clinic population.

Depression was more common in younger patients, those living in the western region, and people who were widowed. Smoking and having a current psychiatric follow‑up also raised the odds. A monthly household income between 10,000 and 20,000 riyals was linked to lower risk.

Anxiety showed a similar pattern with younger age, smoking, and psychiatric follow‑up. A family history of mental illness and the presence of tinnitus added to the risk. No other ear, nose or throat condition stayed significant after statistical correction.