The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in the Management of Tinnitus.
Chanchai Jariengprasert, Kasinee Watanapornmongkol, Sivaporn Kiatthanabumrung, Tosapohn Wisupagan
The international tinnitus journal June 21, 2022 DOI: 10.5935/0946-5448.20220001 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractMindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) added to standard treatment improved tinnitus-related distress and anxiety/depression symptoms more than standard treatment alone in Thai patients. Forty-five participants were divided into MBCT (24 people) and control (21 people) groups. The MBCT group attended four weekly 120-minute mindfulness sessions plus standard care. At 12 weeks, tinnitus handicap and anxiety/depression scores were significantly lower in the MBCT group than in the control group. Tinnitus intensity did not improve significantly in either group, though reductions tended to be greater with MBCT. The therapy appears beneficial for quality of life and emotional well-being in tinnitus management.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Non-randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 45 |
| Population | Thai patients with tinnitus |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy Standard treatment |
| Duration | 4-week intervention, 12-week follow-up |
| Keywords | Cognitive behavioral therapy Mindfulness therapy Tinnitus |
| Key finding | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy plus standard treatment significantly reduced tinnitus handicap and anxiety/depression scores compared to standard treatment alone at 12 weeks. |
Abstract
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) has been suggested as an effective modality in reducing the effects of tinnitus and improving quality of life. This article aimed to compare the effectiveness of MBCT with that of standard treatment in the management of tinnitus in Thai patients. All participants were voluntarily divided into experimental MBCT and control groups depending on their availability. In addition to educational sessions and standard treatment, the MBCT group completed four weekly 120-minute sessions of mindfulness practicing skills. The Thai version of the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI-T) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADs-T) were administered at baseline, 4th week, and 12th week. Tinnitus intensity (dB) was measured at baseline and 12th week. All data were compared between the different time points, within each group, and between the two groups. A total of 45 patients were enrolled, 24 in the MBCT group and 21 in the control group. When comparing baseline to post-treatment measurements, statistically significant improvements were observed in all outcomes except tinnitus intensity in both groups. The THI-T and HADs-T scores in the MBCT group were significantly lower than those in the control group at the 12th week. The reduction in the THI-T scores, HADs-T scores, and tinnitus intensity tended to be greater in the MBCT group after the 4-week course and at the 3-month follow-up assessment. The MBCT showed benefits in the management of tinnitus in terms of improved THI-T and HADs-T scores, and overall quality of life.