However, both cluster outcomes based on this dataset showed a poor stability, suggesting that our tinnitus population comprises a continuum rather than a number of clearly defined subgroups.Īcceptance of pain, self-compassion and psychopathology: using the chronic pain acceptance questionnaire to identify patients' subgroups.

Two cluster analyses on a large database of tinnitus patients revealed that clusters of patients are mostly formed by a different response of external influences on their disease. Again, a 'no substantial' cluster structure was found (0.2). Cluster analysis (2) included 761 patients and resulted in a three-cluster solution, comparable to the first analysis. The 'silhouette measure' of the cluster outcome was low (0.2), indicating a 'no substantial' cluster structure. The effect of external influences was the most discriminative between the groups, or clusters, of patients. Cluster analysis (1) included 976 patients and resulted in a four-cluster solution.

Various variables of 1,783 tinnitus patients were included in the analyses. For the selection of the right variables to enter in the cluster analysis, two approaches were used: (1) variable reduction with principle component analysis and (2) variable selection based on expert opinion. Cluster analyses were used to characterize subgroups. Patient-reported and physician-reported variables were collected during their visit to our clinic. Data were collected from patients with severe tinnitus complaints visiting our tertiary referral tinnitus care group at the University Medical Center Groningen. The goal of this study was to identify subgroups in a large group of tinnitus patients. Insight in the heterogeneity of the tinnitus spectrum might improve the management of tinnitus patients in terms of choice of treatment and identification of patients with severe mental distress. In tinnitus treatment, there is a tendency to shift from a 'one size fits all' to a more individual, patient-tailored approach. Van den Berge, Minke J C Free, Rolien H Arnold, Rosemarie de Kleine, Emile Hofman, Rutger van Dijk, J Marc C van Dijk, Pim Cluster Analysis to Identify Possible Subgroups in Tinnitus Patients.

Dmb Natsumi Yamanaka