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

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is testing a combined treatment for military veterans and active-duty personnel who have both PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) following a head injury. Researchers want to know if treating both conditions together leads to better outcomes than treating them separately. **You may be eligible if:** - You are an adult military veteran or active-duty service member - You have a diagnosis of PTSD - You have experienced at least one mild traumatic brain injury (concussion) - You have chronic, bothersome ringing in the ears (tinnitus) likely related to your head injury - You can speak and read English - You are on a stable dose of any psychiatric medications **You may NOT be eligible if:** - You are currently receiving other talk therapies - You have severe hearing loss - You have severe suicidal thoughts right now - You have been hospitalized for psychiatric reasons in the last 12 months - You have moderate to severe substance use problems - You are currently experiencing a manic episode or psychotic symptoms Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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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.