A randomized controlled trial of cognitive-behavior therapy for tinnitus.
This study is a randomized, waitlist-controlled trial testing the effect of a brief, "manualized" cognitive-behavioral group therapy on distress associated with tinnitus, quality of well-being, psychological distress including depression, and internal focus. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) included training in activity planning, relaxation training and, primarily, cognitive restructuring. Sixty-five participants were recruited, and 41 completed treatment. Participants were randomly assigned to receive 8 weeks of manualized group CBT either immediately or after an 8-week waiting period. Participants completed outcome measures at the time of their random assignment and at 8, 16, and 52 weeks later. Repeated-measure analysis of covariance revealed significant group-by-time interactions on measures of tinnitus distress and depression, indicating that CBT led to greater improvement in those symptoms. The current results suggest that CBT, applied in a group format using a manual, can reduce the negative emotional distress, including depression, associated with tinnitus.
Robinson
Shannon K
SK
University of California-San Diego Department of Psychiatry, San Diego, California 92161, USA. skrobinson@ucsd.edu
Viirre
Erik S
ES
Bailey
Kelly A
KA
Kindermann
Sandra
S
Minassian
Arpi L
AL
Goldin
Phillippe R
PR
Pedrelli
Paola
P
Harris
Jeffery P
JP
McQuaid
John R
JR
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006040:Goals; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D012803:Sick Role; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*