Analysis of Demographic Data of Patients with Idiopathic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Evaluation of Relationship with Depression and Anxiety

Abstract

Introduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the complaints described by patients and the functional limitations detected during neurological examinations, and electrophysiological findings. We also aimed to determine the anxiety and depression levels of patients with CTS and to evalu ate the relationship between pain level, electrophysiological stage, anxiety, and depression. Materials and methods: A total of 180 patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome with electrophysiologically diagnosed CTS were included in the study. Electrophysiologic findings of the patients were classified using the electrophysiologic staging method of the Italian study group. A visual analog scale (VAS), Beck anxiety inventory (BAI) and Beck depression inventory (BDI) were administered to all patients participating in the study. A neurologic examination was performed and Tinel and Phalen's sign, numbness, pain and awakening from sleep at night were noted. Results: A statistically significant difference was found between patients who woke up at night due to pain related to CTS and those w ho did not (p<0.05) in terms of BMI, Beck Depression, Anxiety, and VAS measurements. The rate of night awakenings increased stat istically as the CTS stage increased in patients with both right-and left-sided CTS. Conclusion: CTS is a common syndrome especially in middle-aged and obese women and housewives. In this study, high levels of anxiety and depressive mood were found in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.