Abstract
ObjectivesIntrusive tinnitus is a challenging, life-changing experience for which traditional medical treatment does not yet have a cure. However, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy for tinnitus (MBCT-t) is effective in reducing tinnitus-related distress, disability and intrusiveness. It is a priority to understand patients’ experience of MBCT-t and active processes which they regarded as underpinning the changes they experienced. Semi-structured interviews were conducted 6 months after participants had completed MBCT as part of a randomized controlled trial (RCT), with a focus on exploring their experiences of the course, what they felt had changed and how they felt such changes had occurred.MethodsNine participants took part and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to analyze the interview transcripts.ResultsFour overarching themes emerged: (1) Relating to Tinnitus in a New Way, (2) Holistic Benefits, (3) Connection, Kindness and Compassion, and (4) Factors Supporting Engagement and Change.ConclusionAll participants reported benefits from MBCT-t, based on a radically new relationship with tinnitus. It was no longer characterized by “fighting it” and was instead based on “allowing” tinnitus to be present. Changes were supported by the development of open, stable, present-moment awareness and attitudes of equanimity, kindness, and compassion. Practices encouraging focus on sound (including tinnitus) were challenging, but essential to learning this new way of being with tinnitus. MBCT-t had a huge range of benefits including reduced distress and enhanced wellbeing. The group nature of MBCT-t was an integral part of the therapeutic process. A number of clinical and research implications are discussed.
Highlights
Tinnitus is the internal sensation of sound that has no external cause
This study aimed to explore what participants experienced in Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)-t and how their understanding of what, how and why any changes occurred with treatment
The participants in this study had all completed MBCT for tinnitus (MBCT-t) as part of a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT), and the full details of this procedure can be found in the article describing this trial (McKenna et al, 2017)
Summary
Tinnitus is the internal sensation of sound that has no external cause. It is extremely common, with prevalence at 30% (McCormack et al, 2016), and with severe tinnitus reported by 1–2% of the population, it represents a significant public health problem, with millions seeking treatment annually across the globe. Within the UK, only 11% of patients receive CBT and 9% mindfulness meditation, with the majority receiving written information (67%), sound therapy (35%), listening strategies (29%), or relaxation (23%) (McFerran et al, 2018). Guidelines recommend psychological treatments for tinnitus, the standard care available for patients is far more likely to involve strategies based on acoustic approaches and relaxation
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