Open to military service members and veterans in San Antonio area
Posttraumatic stress disorder and tinnitus – that constant ringing, buzzing, or whooshing sound in the ears – seem so different, but they often occur together and cause similar psychological distress. Is it possible to get help for both of them at once? The answer may be yes, and STRONG STAR researchers are looking at the best way to go about it with affected military service members and veterans.
Our group previously completed a study showing that, when veterans received an evidence-based treatment for PTSD called Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), they also perceived their tinnitus as less bothersome.
Now the STRONG STAR Consortium is running a large-scale, randomized clinical trial at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio to compare CPT to cognitive-behavioral therapy for tinnitus (CBT-t) for the reduction of both PTSD and tinnitus-related distress.
Participants will be randomly assigned to receive the PTSD treatment first, followed by the tinnitus treatment, or the tinnitus treatment first, followed by the PTSD treatment.
Patient visits will be held twice weekly, with the number of PTSD therapy sessions ranging from 6 to 12 and tinnitus therapy sessions ranging from 6 to 11, depending upon symptom improvement. Some individuals may not even need the second round of therapy.
A portion of study participants will be randomly selected to provide MRI scans before therapy and 6 months after its completion. If you are unable to undergo MRI scans due to metal objects in the body or any other reason, you may still be eligible.
Are you
- A military service member or veteran in the San Antonio area?
- Bothered by tinnitus, or a constant ringing or buzzing in one or both ears?
- Troubled by traumatic memories, nightmares, or flashbacks?
- Experiencing mood swings, irritability, a need to be always alert, or sleep difficulties?
- Avoiding things that remind you of your trauma?
If so, this may be a great option for you. To inquire about participation, call 210-562-6726 or use the Get Treatment Contact Form to send us a private message.
