[Chronic tinnitus: which kind of patients benefit from an outpatient psychotherapy?].
BACKGROUND
Psychotherapy proved to be effective in the treatment of chronic tinnitus sufferers. We investigated, which patient and symptom characteristics predicted the treatment outcome.


METHODS
95 patients underwent a CBT based treatment including biofeedback elements. Predictors were identified by the use of regression analysis. Outcome was defined as changes in tinnitus annoyance, intensity, duration, the number of responder and the end-state-functioning.


RESULTS
More than 80% of the participants significantly improved. Positive predictors found in the analysis were an active and non-sceptical treatment expectancy. If patients suffered from depressive disorder, outcome was slightly reduced.


CONCLUSIONS
Most tinnitus patients benefit from outpatient psychotherapy. Positive treatment expectancy should be increased at the beginning of the treatment. Patients who are sceptical should be informed about potential positive treatment results. In the case of affective disorder, additional treatments should be considered.
Heinecke
Kristin
K
Fachbereich Psychologie, Arbeitsgruppe Klinische Psychologie u. PT, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg. heineckk@staff .uni-marburg.de
Weise
Cornelia
C
Rief
Winfried
W
D000553:Ambulatory Care; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010045:Outpatients; D011379:Prognosis; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012044:Regression Analysis; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome