SUICIDAL THOUGHTS IN PATIENTS WITH EMPTY NOSE SYNDROME

The study titled "Suicidal Thoughts in Patients with Empty Nose Syndrome" investigates the prevalence and characteristics of suicidal thoughts among patients diagnosed with Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS). ENS is a condition characterized by paradoxical nasal obstruction despite having a clear nasal airway, leading to significant psychological distress. The research was conducted between 2016 and 2021, involving 62 patients who were prospectively recruited from the Department of Otolaryngology.

Key Findings: The study found that 23 out of the 62 patients (approximately 37%) reported suicidal thoughts. Among these patients, varying degrees of suicidal ideation were noted, with 20 patients indicating thoughts of self-harm without intent to act, two expressing a desire to kill themselves, and one patient indicating a willingness to carry out the act if given the chance. The study utilized several validated questionnaires, including the SNOT-25, ENS6Q, BAI, and BDI-II, to assess the psychological state of the participants and identify the presence of suicidal thoughts.

The results highlighted that patients with suicidal thoughts experienced significantly more severe symptoms, impaired quality of life, and a greater psychological burden compared to those without such thoughts. Notably, the item "nose feels too open" from the ENS6Q was significantly more severe in patients with suicidal ideation, indicating a strong correlation between the perception of nasal obstruction and mental health issues.

Conclusions: The study concluded that suicidal thoughts are prevalent among patients with ENS, emphasizing the need for early identification and intervention. The authors stressed the importance of recognizing individuals at risk of suicide and providing appropriate psychological support to prevent tragic outcomes. They also noted that the degree of depression and anxiety in these patients warrants further investigation, suggesting that future studies should include larger sample sizes and collaborate with mental health specialists to better understand the relationship between ENS, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

Overall, the research underscores the critical need for comprehensive mental health assessments in patients with ENS, as well as the integration of psychological care into the treatment plans for these individuals. The findings serve as a call to action for healthcare providers to be vigilant in screening for suicidal ideation and to implement strategies that address both the physical and psychological aspects of ENS.

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