Psychophysiological effects of biofeedback treatment in tinnitus sufferers
Heinecke K, Weise C, Rief W (2009)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2009
Journal
Book Volume: 48
Pages Range: 223-239
Journal Issue: 3
Abstract
Objectives. Psychophysiological factors in maintaining tinnitus-related distress have been emphasized in current tinnitus models. Hyperreactivity in the autonomous nervous system is supposed to hinder habituation processes and might contribute to maladjustment to tinnitus symptoms in the long run. Accordingly, biofeedback treatment targeting physiological activity ought to reduce tinnitus annoyance and facilitate habituation. Subjects. One hundred and thirty patients completed a manual-based psychological treatment especially developed for chronic tinnitus sufferers. A subsample consisting of 67 participants were randomly assigned to a waiting list (3 months) and served as a control group. The programme consisted of 15 sessions of cognitive-behavioural therapy combined with a psychophysiological treatment using a biofeedback approach. Methods. Different muscle regions of the head and neck and skin conductance level were assessed with biofeedback equipment. Physiological treatment effects were analysed using the pre-post effect sizes in comparison to the waitlist group. Correlations for physiological changes and psychological treatment effects were computed. Results. Moderate to large effect sizes for physiological changes were demonstrated. Physiological and psychological treatment effects were found to be unrelated. Discussion. Our treatment approach, which combined biofeedback therapy with CBT elements, was found to be highly effective in reducing psychophysiological activation. Psychological and physiological variables seem to represent independent response systems. © 2009 The British Psychological Society.
Involved external institutions
Germany (DE)How to cite
APA:
Heinecke, K., Weise, C., & Rief, W. (2009). Psychophysiological effects of biofeedback treatment in tinnitus sufferers. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 48(3), 223-239. https://doi.org/10.1348/014466508X386207
MLA:
Heinecke, Kristin, Cornelia Weise, and Winfried Rief. "Psychophysiological effects of biofeedback treatment in tinnitus sufferers." British Journal of Clinical Psychology 48.3 (2009): 223-239.
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