Internet-based guided self-help versus group cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic tinnitus: a randomized...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Behavioral Science
• Audiology and Otolaryngology
• Digital Health Interventions

Background:

• Chronic tinnitus distress affects a significant portion of the adult population.
• Conventional face-to-face group cognitive behavioral therapy (GCBT) is an established treatment.
• The efficacy of internet-delivered interventions for tinnitus requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of GCBT and internet-based CBT (ICBT) for tinnitus distress.
• To evaluate treatment outcomes against a web-based discussion forum control group.
• To assess the durability of treatment effects at a 6-month follow-up.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 128 adults with chronic tinnitus.
• Participants were assigned to GCBT, ICBT, or a discussion forum (control).
• Standardized questionnaires (THI, Mini-TQ, HADS, ISI, TAQ) were administered at baseline, post-treatment, and 6-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• Both GCBT and ICBT significantly reduced tinnitus distress (THI, Mini-TQ scores) compared to the control group (p ≤ 0.001).
• No significant differences in effectiveness were observed between GCBT and ICBT.
• Treatment gains were maintained at the 6-month follow-up assessment.

Conclusions:

• Internet-based CBT (ICBT) presents a viable and equally effective alternative to traditional GCBT for managing tinnitus distress.
• ICBT demonstrates potential for wider accessibility and application in tinnitus management.
• Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the potential and optimal application of ICBT in chronic tinnitus care.