Abstract
Conclusion: The results of this study are in accordance with the assumption
that cognitive-oriented therapy enabling the patient to live with
tinnitus is of primary importance to enhance quality of life. Background
and objectives: This study describes the success of an integrative
behavioral–medicine inpatient treatment for complex chronic tinnitus
and presents its long-term effects. In 1987 we developed and evaluated
a new treatment concept of psychological treatment of complex chronic
tinnitus based on international experience and results. To evaluate
the influence, effects and individual results of the specific therapy
we analyzed the data of 434 consecutively treated patients. To investigate
the long-term effects of the treatment, we contacted the patients
15 years after discharge from the hospital. Patients and methods:
We used the tinnitus questionnaire (TQ) and visual analog scales
(VAS) for specific tinnitus variables (loudness, discomfort, control
of tinnitus, stress, general mood). The German version of the Derogatis
psychopathology checklist (SCL-90-R) was used to analyze the impact
of additional symptoms (depression, anxiety, introversion, etc.).
Results: Compared with a control group (patients on a waiting list)
significant and clinically relevant effects were found. At the outcome,
there were significant improvements in almost all parameters measured.
For evaluation of the long-term effect we succeeded in contacting
312 of 434 former patients. Data were assessed using the same questionnaires
that had been employed at the first contact. In all, 271 patients
(86%) returned the questionnaires. Data for 244 cases (mean age 63
years; 79 females, 165 males) were complete enough to be used for
data analysis. The results of the follow-up were as unexpected as
clear: 15 years after conclusion of the treatment, the improvements
of the tinnitus parameters and additional symptoms were stable when
compared with the end of therapy.
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