RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07106593

Treatment for PTSD and Tinnitus

Treatment of TBI-Related Tinnitus and Comorbid PTSD: Examination of Neurobiological Markers Related to Symptom Improvement

Sponsor

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Enrollment

160 participants

Start Date

Aug 8, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)Tinnitus

Summary

In this study, researchers are examining the best sequence of interventions for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and tinnitus. Participants will either receive psychotherapy for PTSD first (Cognitive Processing Therapy; CPT), followed by treatment for tinnitus (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Tinnitus; CBT-t); or vice-versa. We also aim to identify changes in brain functioning after receiving therapy.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria7

Adult male and female active duty military personnel and veterans seeking treatment for PTSD
Diagnosis of PTSD
Person has experienced at least one mild traumatic brain injury (concussion)
Ability to speak and read English
Stable on any psychotropic medications
Meets criteria for chronic subjective and bothersome tinnitus
Chronic tinnitus is at least possibly related to head injury

Exclusion Criteria10

Currently receiving other talk therapies
Severe hearing loss that would prevent the participant from benefiting from therapy
Current severe suicidal ideation
Psychiatric hospitalization in the last 12 months
Moderate to severe substance use that would prevent the participant form benefiting from therapy
Current manic episode or psychotic symptoms requiring immediate stabilization or hospitalization
Significant cognitive impairment
Moderate to severe brain damage
Neurobiological disorders
Temporomandibular joint disorders and/or Meniere's disease that cause acute pain

Interventions

BEHAVIORALCognitive Processing Therapy

CPT (Resick, Monson, \& Chard, 2024) consists of 12 50-minute sessions conducted over a 6- to 12-week period (Resick, Monson, \& Chard, 2008). The three phases of CPT include psychoeducation, processing, and challenging beliefs and assumptions related to the trauma, oneself, and the world.

BEHAVIORALCBT-t

The standard CBT-t protocol is gathered from the Progressive Tinnitus Management (PTM) program, and includes psychoeducation about how tinnitus can develop. CBT-t includes using behavioral principles to help manage tinnitus reactions, including the use of sounds: soothing sounds, background sound, and interesting sound. CBT-t teaches relaxation exercises, scheduling pleasant activities, and learn how to modify thoughts related to tinnitus. Therapists will also provide basic education on how to protect hearing health among participants in order to prevent worsening of tinnitus and to prevent exacerbation of any hearing loss.