Internet‐based cognitive behavioral therapy for tinnitus

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Abstract
Tinnitus is a common otological problem that is often resistant to surgical or medical interventions. In common with chronic pain, cognitive‐behavioral treatment has been found to alleviate the distress and improve the functioning of tinnitus patients. Recently, a self‐help treatment has been developed for use via the Internet. In this article, we describe the self‐help program and apply it to a middle‐aged woman with tinnitus. We report the case formulation, which was done in a structured interview, and the treatment interactions, which were conducted via e‐mail. The self‐help program was presented on Web pages, and weekly diaries were submitted to follow progress and give feedback. The treatment was successful with reductions of tinnitus‐related annoyance and anxious and depressive mood. Implications for Internet administration of self‐help treatment are discussed. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol/In Session.