Re:CBT for tinnitus

I was hoping that someone with experience with this problem would chip in but since there are no takers so far, I'll chip in my two cents worth.

I haven't worked with tinnitus (ringing in the ears) but since the goal is to help the individual tolerate the condition rather than trying to make the sensation go away, I'd expect the interventions used with chronic pain to be quite useful.

Here's one reference that seems particularly appropriate:

Thorn, B. E., Boothby, J. I. & Sullivan, M. J. L. (2002). Targeted Treatment of Catastrophising for the management of Chronic Pain. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 9, 127-138.

ABSTRACT - Pain catastrophizing refers to a negative mental set brought to bear during the experience of pain. Individuals who catastrophize often feel helpless about controlling their pain, ruminate about painful sensations, and expect bad outcomes. Not surprisingly, such individuals often fail to improve with treatment. This paper provides an assessment tool and outlines a cognitive-behavioral group treatment approach for chronic pain that is specifically designed to reduce catastrophizing. Principles from stress management, cognitive therapy for depression, assertiveness training, and communal coping models are incorporated within the treatment framework to address specific needs posed by catastrophising. suggestions are provided for organizing treatment sessions and for assigning homework based on treatment principles.

Replies:

Re:CBT for tinnitus, by Jeremy Mirsky, Ph.D., 05/12/03

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