[Distraction and relaxation training in acute tinnitus : effects of a complement to otorhinolaryngological treatment].
BACKGROUND
We examined whether training conceptualized as a complement to standard medical treatment (ST) for acute tinnitus to promote patients' capacity to distract attention from their tinnitus and to relax (distraction and relaxation training) has a positive effect on tinnitus-specific distress (tinnitus loudness, tinnitus-related distress and disability), as well as on general well-being.


METHODS
Study participants comprised 29 patients with tinnitus of maximum 4 weeks' standing (first lifetime tinnitus episode) who were randomized to ST (rheological therapy) or advanced standard treatment (AST) (rheological therapy complemented by distraction and relaxation training).


RESULTS
Tinnitus-specific distress was reduced to a significantly greater extent in the EST group as compared to ST, especially in patients with a striking psychopathology. The improvement in general well-being was comparable in both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
In acute tinnitus, distraction and relaxation training should be conducted as a complement to standard medical treatment, especially in high-risk patients demonstrating abnormal psychopathological status, since treatment results can be improved in this way.
Forschungszentrum für Psychobiologie und Psychosomatik der Universität Trier, Johanniterufer 15, 54290, Trier, Deutschland. gerhards@uni-trier.de
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Gerhards
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Brehmer
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012064:Relaxation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome