Investigation of psychiatric symptoms, dissociative experiences, and childhood trauma in allergic rhinitis, and evaluation of the clinical relationship between these factors

Abstract

Background In this study, we aimed to evaluate levels of depression and anxiety symptoms, childhood trauma, and dissociative experiences in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) and compare them with healthy controls. Additionally, investigate the association between childhood trauma, depressive symptoms, and dissociative experiences in AR patients. Methods The study sample consisted of 152 adults (76 AR patients and 76 healthy controls) who presented to the otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinic. Data were collected using a personal information form and standardized self-report scales for childhood trauma (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire – CTQ-28), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale – HADS), and dissociative experiences (Dissociative Experiences Scale – DES). Results Significant differences were found between the patient and control groups in terms of all parameters (p<0.05). The patient group showed significantly higher levels of childhood trauma, anxiety and depressive symptoms, and dissociative experiences. Correlation analyses revealed a significant correlation between childhood trauma and both depressive symptoms and dissociative experiences in AR patients. Furthermore, regression analysis showed that childhood trauma significantly contributed to the severity of depression in AR patients, while the presence of dissociative symptoms further increased the risk of depression. Conclusions This study presents evidence of a positive association between childhood trauma, depression, and dissociative experiences in allergic rhinitis, highlighting their potential roles as risk factors for the condition. Therefore, psychiatric evaluation is crucial and necessary for treatment success in AR patients.