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Objective: In this study, it is aimed to determine the frequency of chronic otitis media (CAM) in schizophrenia patients, and to examine whether there is a correlation between schizophrenia and CAM.
Methods: Ninety seven patients, who are monitored with the diagnosis of schizophrenia, according to DSM-IV, receiving outpatient care in a center, specialized on the treatment of schizophrenia, have been assessed. The findings were compared with those of 96 subjects in the control group, consisting of healthy individuals, without psychiatric conditions. In addition, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Edinburgh Hand Preference Test (EHP) have been applied to schizophrenia group and EHP test to control group.
Results: No statistically significant difference with respect to the frequency of CAM has been recorded between schizophrenia and control groups (p=0.3). Likewise, no significant difference was found with respect to the frequency of right CAM (p=0.2) and left CAM (p=0.9) between schizophrenia and control groups.
Conclusion: Our hypothesis, concerning the possible correlation between schizophrenia and CAM or possible greater incidence of CAM in schizophrenia patients, hasn’t been confirmed with the findings of this study.