Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the overlap of symptoms between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and tinnitus-related distress (ringing or buzzing in one or both ears). We will evaluate the overlap of symptoms by conducting assessments for psychological problems and tinnitus, audiometric assessments, as well as evaluate brain activity while undergoing a functional magnetic resonance imaging session (MRI). The researchers hope to learn shared and unique brain regions between tinnitus and PTSD to develop new and innovative treatment approaches

Category

IRB Number
20200573HU
NCT Number
-
Sponsor
-



Study Contact

Principal Investigator
John Moring

Anna Gonzalez
210-562-6734
gonzaleza4@uthscsa.edu

Irene Hargita
210-562-6704
hargita@uthscsa.edu



Eligibility

Eligible Ages
Over 18
Eligible Genders
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Inclusion Criteria

    • Male and female DEERS eligible Veterans or active duty service members, ages 18 and above
    • preferred language is English and to read or speak English at a 6th grade level
    • stable on psychotropic medications
    • those with PTSD (T&P; PO) must meet full criteria for PTSD based on the DSM-5 and assessed by an independent evaluator using the CAPS-5
    • those with chronic, constant tinnitus (T&P, TO) will be identified by self-report and confirmed with the audiometric assessment.

Exclusion Criteria

    • psychiatric hospitalization in the last 12 months
    • significant cognitive impairment
    • psychiatric problems and/or high suicide risk warranting immediate treatment
    • neurobiological disorders, Meniere’s disease, temporomandibular disorders
    • history of major head trauma
    • history  of seizures
    • conditions that would prevent completion of fMRI scan (any type of electronic, mechanical, or magnetic implant, coil, filter, or stent, any type of surgical clip or staple, shunt, any type of metal object, hearing aid, spinal fusion, halo vest, IV access port, eyelid spring, artificial eye, artificial heart valve, biostimulator, severe hyperacusis)
    • Those with tinnitus (T&P; TO) will be excluded if their tinnitus is
      • intermittent
      • objective or pulsatile
      • present for less than 6 months.

Study Design


Arm Groups