A randomized controlled trial of cognitive-behavior therapy for tinnitus
Robinson, S.K.; Viirre, E.S.; Bailey, K.A.; Kindermann, S.; Minassian, A.L.; Goldin, P.R.; Pedrelli, P.; Harris, J.P.; McQuaid, J.R.
International Tinnitus Journal 14(2): 119-126
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 0946-5448 PMID: 19205162 Document Number: 622455
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.