CYBERMED LIFE - ORGANIC  & NATURAL LIVING

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD)

  • A pilot study of a randomized controlled trial of yoga as an intervention for PTSD symptoms in women.

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    Abstract Title:

    A pilot study of a randomized controlled trial of yoga as an intervention for PTSD symptoms in women.

    Abstract Source:

    J Trauma Stress. 2014 Apr ;27(2):121-8. Epub 2014 Mar 25. PMID: 24668767

    Abstract Author(s):

    Karen S Mitchell, Alexandra M Dick, Dawn M DiMartino, Brian N Smith, Barbara Niles, Karestan C Koenen, Amy Street

    Article Affiliation:

    Karen S Mitchell

    Abstract:

    Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition that affects approximately 10% of women in the United States. Although effective psychotherapeutic treatments for PTSD exist, clients with PTSD report additional benefits of complementary and alternative approaches such as yoga. In particular, yoga may downregulate the stress response and positively impact PTSD and comorbid depression and anxiety symptoms. We conducted a pilot study of a randomized controlled trial comparing a 12-session Kripalu-based yoga intervention with an assessment control group. Participants included 38 women with current full or subthreshold PTSD symptoms. During the intervention, yoga participants showed decreases in reexperiencing and hyperarousal symptoms. The assessment control group, however, showed decreases in reexperiencing and anxiety symptoms as well, which may be a result of the positive effect of self-monitoring on PTSD and associated symptoms. Between-groups effect sizes were small to moderate (0.08-0.31). Although more research is needed, yoga may be an effective adjunctive treatment for PTSD. Participants responded positively to the intervention, suggesting that it was tolerable for this sample. Findings underscore the need for future research investigating mechanisms by which yoga may impact mental health symptoms, gender comparisons, and the long-term effects of yoga practice.

  • Acupuncture for posttraumatic stress disorder: a randomized controlled pilot trial.

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    Abstract Title:

    Acupuncture for posttraumatic stress disorder: a randomized controlled pilot trial.

    Abstract Source:

    J Nerv Ment Dis. 2007 Jun;195(6):504-13. PMID: 17568299

    Abstract Author(s):

    Michael Hollifield, Nityamo Sinclair-Lian, Teddy D Warner, Richard Hammerschlag

    Article Affiliation:

    Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Family and Geriatric Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.

    Abstract:

    The purpose of the study was to evaluate the potential efficacy and acceptability of accupuncture for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). People diagnosed with PTSD were randomized to either an empirically developed accupuncture treatment (ACU), a group cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), or a wait-list control (WLC). The primary outcome measure was self-reported PTSD symptoms at baseline, end treatment, and 3-month follow-up. Repeated measures MANOVA was used to detect predicted Group X Time effects in both intent-to-treat (ITT) and treatment completion models. Compared with the WLC condition in the ITT model, accupuncture provided large treatment effects for PTSD (F [1, 46] = 12.60; p<0.01; Cohen's d = 1.29), similar in magnitude to group CBT (F [1, 47] = 12.45; p<0.01; d = 1.42) (ACU vs. CBT, d = 0.29). Symptom reductions at end treatment were maintained at 3-month follow-up for both interventions. Accupuncture may be an efficacious and acceptable nonexposure treatment option for PTSD. Larger trials with additional controls and methods are warranted to replicate and extend these findings.

  • Acupuncture for posttraumatic stress disorder: a randomized controlled pilot trial.

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    Abstract Title:

    Acupuncture for posttraumatic stress disorder: a randomized controlled pilot trial.

    Abstract Source:

    J Nerv Ment Dis. 2007 Jun;195(6):504-13. PMID: 17568299

    Abstract Author(s):

    Michael Hollifield, Nityamo Sinclair-Lian, Teddy D Warner, Richard Hammerschlag

    Article Affiliation:

    Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Family and Geriatric Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.

    Abstract:

    The purpose of the study was to evaluate the potential efficacy and acceptability of accupuncture for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). People diagnosed with PTSD were randomized to either an empirically developed accupuncture treatment (ACU), a group cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), or a wait-list control (WLC). The primary outcome measure was self-reported PTSD symptoms at baseline, end treatment, and 3-month follow-up. Repeated measures MANOVA was used to detect predicted Group X Time effects in both intent-to-treat (ITT) and treatment completion models. Compared with the WLC condition in the ITT model, accupuncture provided large treatment effects for PTSD (F [1, 46] = 12.60; p<0.01; Cohen's d = 1.29), similar in magnitude to group CBT (F [1, 47] = 12.45; p<0.01; d = 1.42) (ACU vs. CBT, d = 0.29). Symptom reductions at end treatment were maintained at 3-month follow-up for both interventions. Accupuncture may be an efficacious and acceptable nonexposure treatment option for PTSD. Larger trials with additional controls and methods are warranted to replicate and extend these findings.

  • Aerobic Exercise Reduces Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

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    Abstract Title:

    Aerobic Exercise Reduces Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

    Abstract Source:

    Cogn Behav Ther. 2015 ;44(4):301-13. Epub 2014 Jun 9. PMID: 24911173

    Abstract Author(s):

    Mathew G Fetzner, Gordon J G Asmundson

    Article Affiliation:

    Mathew G Fetzner

    Abstract:

    Evidence suggests aerobic exercise has anxiolytic effects; yet, the treatment potential for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and responsible anxiolytic mechanisms have received little attention. Emerging evidence indicates that attentional focus during exercise may dictate the extent of therapeutic benefit. Whether benefits are a function of attentional focus toward or away from somatic arousal during exercise remains untested. Thirty-three PTSD-affected participants completed two weeks of stationary biking aerobic exercise (six sessions). To assess the effect of attentional focus, participants were randomized into three exercise groups: group 1 (attention to somatic arousal) received prompts directing their attention to the interoceptive effects of exercise, group 2 (distraction from somatic arousal) watched a nature documentary, and group 3 exercised with no distractions or interoceptive prompts. Hierarchal linear modeling showed all groups reported reduced PTSD and anxiety sensitivity (AS; i.e., fear of arousal-related somatic sensations) during treatment. Interaction effects between group and time were found for PTSD hyperarousal and AS physical and social scores, wherein group 1, receiving interoceptive prompts, experienced significantly less symptom reduction than other groups. Most participants (89%) reported clinically significant reductions in PTSD severity after the two-week intervention. Findings suggest, regardless of attentional focus, aerobic exercise reduces PTSD symptoms.

  • Anxiolytic-like effects of treadmill exercise on an animal model of post-traumatic stress disorder and its mechanism.

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    Abstract Title:

    Anxiolytic-like effects of treadmill exercise on an animal model of post-traumatic stress disorder and its mechanism.

    Abstract Source:

    J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2020 Jan ;60(1):172-179. PMID: 32008312

    Abstract Author(s):

    Jun Zhang, Rui Xue, Yun-Feng Li, You-Zhi Zhang, Hong-Wen Wei

    Article Affiliation:

    Jun Zhang

    Abstract:

    BACKGROUND:Many studies have proven the beneficial effects of regular exercise on psychiatric conditions. This study was set to explore the therapeutic effects and the mechanisms of treadmill exercise on a time-dependent sensitization (TDS) model which is a classical animal model for mimicking posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

    METHODS:Forty-seven rats were randomly assigned to one of four groups: CON (control), TDS (model), EX (treadmill), or SER (sertraline). TDS model was developed to evaluate the anti-PTSD-like effects of moderate treadmill exercise with 4-week running program. High-performance liquid chromatography technology was used to determine the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters in TDS rats. The expression of key proteins in BDNF/PI3K/Akt/CREB signaling pathway were assayed by the Western blot method.

    RESULTS:The TDS procedures induced behavioral deficiencies. These deficiencies were reversed by treadmill exercise. Subsequent monoamine assays revealed that the treadmill exercise significantly increased serotonin levels in the hippocampus and decreased dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex. Data from Western blot experiment demonstrated that exercise could normalize the decreased BDNF/TrkB/pAkt/pCREB levels in the hippocampus.

    CONCLUSIONS:This study deduced that treadmill exercise ameliorated contextual fear conditioning and anxiety-like behavior in TDS model. According to the study, the mechanism involved in alleviating PTSD symptoms by treadmill exercise was due to increased 5-HT levels in the hippocampus and decreased DA levels in the prefrontal cortex. It also involved the upregulation of BDNF and the related PI3K/AKT/CREB signaling pathway.

  • Biofeedback for pain management in traumatised refugees.

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    Abstract Title:

    Biofeedback for pain management in traumatised refugees.

    Abstract Source:

    Cogn Behav Ther. 2009 Sep;38(3):184-90. PMID: 19675955

    Abstract Author(s):

    Julia Muller, Anke Karl, Claudia Denke, Fabienne Mathier, Jennifer Dittmann, Nicolas Rohleder, Christine Knaevelsrud

    Article Affiliation:

    Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    Abstract:

    Chronic pain (CP) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are both frequent and often comorbid in refugees. To date, few controlled trials have studied the efficacy of treatments targeting this comorbidity; no treatment guidelines yet exist. The authors examined the feasibility and efficacy of short-term cognitive behavioural biofeedback (BF) addressing CP in traumatised refugees. The sample comprised 11 severely traumatised refugees with CP and PTSD (mean age = 36 years, SD = 6), who underwent assessment with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale, Pain Disability Index, and Visual Rating Scale. Additionally, coping with pain and psychotherapy tolerance were assessed. Acceptance of BF was high. Pre-post effects were small to medium for increased pain management and associated heart rate reactivity but large for coping with pain. The results encourage further research to confirm whether BF is indicated as a treatment component, but not a stand-alone treatment, for traumatised refugees with comorbid CP and PTSD.

  • Breathing-based meditation decreases posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in U.S. military veterans: a randomized controlled longitudinal study. 📎

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    Abstract Title:

    Breathing-based meditation decreases posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in U.S. military veterans: a randomized controlled longitudinal study.

    Abstract Source:

    J Trauma Stress. 2014 Aug ;27(4):397-405. PMID: 25158633

    Abstract Author(s):

    Emma M Seppälä, Jack B Nitschke, Dana L Tudorascu, Andrea Hayes, Michael R Goldstein, Dong T H Nguyen, David Perlman, Richard J Davidson

    Article Affiliation:

    Emma M Seppälä

    Abstract:

    Given the limited success of conventional treatments for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), investigations of alternative approaches are warranted. We examined the effects of a breathing-based meditation intervention, Sudarshan Kriya yoga, on PTSD outcome variables in U.S. male veterans of the Iraq or Afghanistan war. We randomly assigned 21 veterans to an active (n = 11) or waitlist control (n = 10) group. Laboratory measures of eye-blink startle and respiration rate were obtained before and after the intervention, as were self-report symptom measures; the latter were also obtained 1 month and 1 year later. The active group showed reductions in PTSD scores, d = 1.16, 95% CI [0.20, 2.04], anxiety symptoms, and respiration rate, but the control group did not. Reductions in startle correlated with reductions in hyperarousal symptoms immediately postintervention (r = .93, p<.001) and at 1-year follow-up (r = .77, p = .025). This longitudinal intervention study suggests there may be clinical utility for Sudarshan Kriya yoga for PTSD.

  • Breathing-based meditation decreases posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in U.S. military veterans: a randomized controlled longitudinal study. 📎

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    Abstract Title:

    Breathing-based meditation decreases posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in U.S. military veterans: a randomized controlled longitudinal study.

    Abstract Source:

    J Trauma Stress. 2014 Aug ;27(4):397-405. PMID: 25158633

    Abstract Author(s):

    Emma M Seppälä, Jack B Nitschke, Dana L Tudorascu, Andrea Hayes, Michael R Goldstein, Dong T H Nguyen, David Perlman, Richard J Davidson

    Article Affiliation:

    Emma M Seppälä

    Abstract:

    Given the limited success of conventional treatments for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), investigations of alternative approaches are warranted. We examined the effects of a breathing-based meditation intervention, Sudarshan Kriya yoga, on PTSD outcome variables in U.S. male veterans of the Iraq or Afghanistan war. We randomly assigned 21 veterans to an active (n = 11) or waitlist control (n = 10) group. Laboratory measures of eye-blink startle and respiration rate were obtained before and after the intervention, as were self-report symptom measures; the latter were also obtained 1 month and 1 year later. The active group showed reductions in PTSD scores, d = 1.16, 95% CI [0.20, 2.04], anxiety symptoms, and respiration rate, but the control group did not. Reductions in startle correlated with reductions in hyperarousal symptoms immediately postintervention (r = .93, p<.001) and at 1-year follow-up (r = .77, p = .025). This longitudinal intervention study suggests there may be clinical utility for Sudarshan Kriya yoga for PTSD.

  • Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders📎

    Abstract Title:

    Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders.

    Abstract Source:

    Neurotherapeutics. 2015 Sep 4. Epub 2015 Sep 4. PMID: 26341731

    Abstract Author(s):

    Esther M Blessing, Maria M Steenkamp, Jorge Manzanares, Charles R Marmar

    Article Affiliation:

    Esther M Blessing

    Abstract:

    Cannabidiol (CBD), a Cannabis sativa constituent, is a pharmacologically broad-spectrum drug that in recent years has drawn increasing interest as a treatment for a range of neuropsychiatric disorders. The purpose of the current review is to determine CBD's potential as a treatment for anxiety-related disorders, by assessing evidence from preclinical, human experimental, clinical, and epidemiological studies. We found that existing preclinical evidence strongly supports CBD as a treatment for generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder when administered acutely; however, few studies have investigated chronic CBD dosing. Likewise, evidence from human studies supports an anxiolytic role of CBD, but is currently limited to acute dosing, also with few studies in clinical populations. Overall, current evidence indicates CBD has considerable potential as a treatment for multiple anxiety disorders, with need for further study of chronic and therapeutic effects in relevant clinical populations.

  • Cannabidiol Regulation of Learned Fear: Implications for Treating Anxiety-Related Disorders📎

    Abstract Title:

    Cannabidiol Regulation of Learned Fear: Implications for Treating Anxiety-Related Disorders.

    Abstract Source:

    Front Pharmacol. 2016 ;7:454. Epub 2016 Nov 24. PMID: 27932983

    Abstract Author(s):

    Regimantas Jurkus, Harriet L L Day, Francisco S Guimarães, Jonathan L C Lee, Leandro J Bertoglio, Carl W Stevenson

    Article Affiliation:

    Regimantas Jurkus

    Abstract:

    Anxiety and trauma-related disorders are psychiatric diseases with a lifetime prevalence of up to 25%. Phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are characterized by abnormal and persistent memories of fear-related contexts and cues. The effects of psychological treatments such as exposure therapy are often only temporary and medications can be ineffective and have adverse side effects. Growing evidence from human and animal studies indicates that cannabidiol, the main non-psychotomimetic phytocannabinoid present in Cannabis sativa, alleviates anxiety in paradigms assessing innate fear. More recently, the effects of cannabidiol on learned fear have been investigated in preclinical studies with translational relevance for phobias and PTSD. Here we review the findings from these studies, with an emphasis on cannabidiol regulation of contextual fear. The evidence indicates that cannabidiol reduces learned fear in different ways: (1) cannabidiol decreases fear expression acutely, (2) cannabidiol disrupts memory reconsolidation, leading to sustained fear attenuation upon memory retrieval, and (3) cannabidiol enhances extinction, the psychological process by which exposure therapy inhibits learned fear. We also present novel data on cannabidiol regulation of learned fear related to explicit cues, which indicates that auditory fear expression is also reduced acutely by cannabidiol. We conclude by outlining future directions for research to elucidate the neural circuit, psychological, cellular, and molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of fear memory processing by cannabidiol. This line of investigation may lead to the development of cannabidiol as a novel therapeutic approach for treating anxiety and trauma-related disorders such as phobias and PTSD in the future.

  • Case control study: hyperbaric oxygen treatment of mild traumatic brain injury persistent post-concussion syndrome and post-traumatic stress disorder. 📎

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    Abstract Title:

    Case control study: hyperbaric oxygen treatment of mild traumatic brain injury persistent post-concussion syndrome and post-traumatic stress disorder.

    Abstract Source:

    Med Gas Res. 2017 Jul-Sep;7(3):156-174. Epub 2017 Oct 17. PMID: 29152209

    Abstract Author(s):

    Paul G Harch, Susan R Andrews, Edward F Fogarty, Juliette Lucarini, Keith W Van Meter

    Article Affiliation:

    Paul G Harch

    Abstract:

    Mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) persistent post-concussion syndrome (PPCS) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are epidemic in United States Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans. Treatment of the combined diagnoses is limited. The aim of this study is to assess safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen treatments (HBOT) for mild TBI PPCS and PTSD. Thirty military subjects aged 18-65 with PPCS with or without PTSD and from one or more blast-induced mild-moderate traumatic brain injuries that were a minimum of 1 year old and occurred after 9/11/2001 were studied. The measures included symptom lists, physical exam, neuropsychological and psychological testing on 29 subjects (1 dropout) and SPECT brain imaging pre and post HBOT. Comparison was made using SPECT imaging on 29 matched Controls. Side effects (30 subjects) experienced due to the HBOT: reversible middle ear barotrauma (n = 6), transient deterioration in symptoms (n = 7), reversible bronchospasm (n = 1), and increased anxiety (n = 2; not related to confinement); unrelated to HBOT: ureterolithiasis (n = 1), chest pain (n = 2). Significant improvement (29 subjects) was seen in neurological exam, symptoms, intelligence quotient, memory, measures of attention, dominant hand motor speed and dexterity, quality of life, general anxiety, PTSD, depression (including reduction in suicidal ideation), and reduced psychoactive medication usage. At 6-month follow-up subjects reported further symptomatic improvement. Compared to Controls the subjects' SPECT was significantly abnormal, significantly improved after 1 and 40 treatments, and became statistically indistinguishable from Controls in 75% of abnormal areas. HBOT was found to be safe and significantly effective for veterans with mild to moderate TBI PPCS with PTSD in all four outcome domains: clinical medicine, neuropsychology, psychology, and SPECT imaging. Veterans also experienced a significant reduction in suicidal ideation and reduction in psychoactive medication use.

  • Clinical study on treatment of the earthquake-caused post-traumatic stress disorder by cognitive-behavior therapy and acupoint stimulation📎

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    Abstract Title:

    Clinical study on treatment of the earthquake-caused post-traumatic stress disorder by cognitive-behavior therapy and acupoint stimulation.

    Abstract Source:

    J Tradit Chin Med. 2011 Mar;31(1):60-3. PMID: 21563510

    Abstract Author(s):

    Ying Zhang, Bin Feng, Jian-Ping Xie, Fang-Zhong Xu, Jiong Chen

    Article Affiliation:

    Zhejiang Provincial Tongde Hospital, Hangzhou 310012, China.

    Abstract:

    OBJECTIVE:To study the curative effect of acupoint stimulation on the earthquake-caused post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

    METHODS:The 91 PTSD patients in Wenchuan hit by a strong earthquake were randomly divided into a control group of 24 cases treated by the cognitive-behavior therapy, and a treatment group of 67 cases treated by both cognitive-behavior therapy and acupoint stimulation. The scores were evaluated according to Chinese version of the incident effect scale revised (IES-R) and the self-compiled questionnaire for the major post-traumatic psychological condition, and the curative effect was compared between the two groups.

    RESULTS:The total scores of IES-R, the scores of all factors and the total scores of the questionnaire in the two groups after treatment were much lower than those before treatment (P<0.01). The comparison of reduction in the factor scores between the two groups showed that the curative effect in the treatment group was better that of in the control group.

    CONCLUSION:The acupoint stimulation is effective for the PTSD patients, with better results than that of cognitive-behavior therapy used alone.

  • Controlled Rhythmic Yogic Breathing as Complementary Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Military Veterans: A Case Series. 📎

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    Abstract Title:

    Controlled Rhythmic Yogic Breathing as Complementary Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Military Veterans: A Case Series.

    Abstract Source:

    Med Acupunct. 2017 Aug 1 ;29(4):232-238. PMID: 28874925

    Abstract Author(s):

    Joseph Walker, Deborah Pacik

    Article Affiliation:

    Joseph Walker

    Abstract:

    Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a cluster of symptoms in which a person persistently relives a traumatic event, through recurring thoughts, nightmares, and flashbacks for at least 1 month or more. There are various behavioral and medical treatment options for PTSD. Mind-body techniques, such as biofeedback and breathing-based stress reduction, have shown some promise in the treatment of PTSD symptoms. The purpose of this case series was to examine controlled yogic breathing as a complementary treatment of PTSD in military veterans. A retrospective review was performed from 2012 to 2016 in 3 cases, and participant demographics, member statements, and PTSD Checklist-Military Version (PCL-M) scores, pre-and-post course, were extracted.Three military veterans with PTSD participated in a standardized 5-day course designed to teach them controlled rhythmic yogic breathing exercises.Subjectively, all 3 participants reported a decrease in PTSD symptoms after the course. Objectively, all 3 participants had a reduction in their overall PCL-M scores after the course. Among all 3 participants, there were score decreases in the Avoidance and Increased Arousal categories. The most dramatic improvement occurred in the participant with the most severe symptoms.Controlled yogic breathing, specifically(SKY), appeared to reduce the symptoms of PTSD in 3 veterans of the Armed Services.

  • Effects of a yoga breath intervention alone and in combination with an exposure therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression in survivors of the 2004 South-East Asia tsunami.

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    Abstract Title:

    Effects of a yoga breath intervention alone and in combination with an exposure therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression in survivors of the 2004 South-East Asia tsunami.

    Abstract Source:

    Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2009 Aug 19. Epub 2009 Aug 19. PMID: 19694633

    Abstract Author(s):

    T Descilo, A Vedamurtachar, P L Gerbarg, D Nagaraja, B N Gangadhar, B Damodaran, B Adelson, L H Braslow, S Marcus, R P Brown

    Abstract:

    Descilo T, Vedamurtachar A, Gerbarg PL, Nagaraja D, Gangadhar BN, Damodaran B, Adelson B, Braslow LH, Marcus S, Brown RP. Effects of a yoga breath intervention alone and in combination with an exposure therapy for PTSD and depression in survivors of the 2004 South-East Asia tsunami.Objective: This study evaluated the effect of a yoga breath program alone and followed by a trauma reduction exposure technique on post-traumatic stress disorder and depression in survivors of the 2004 Asian tsunami. Method: In this non-randomized study, 183 tsunami survivors who scored 50 or above on the Post-traumatic Checklist-17 (PCL-17) were assigned by camps to one of three groups: yoga breath intervention, yoga breath intervention followed by 3-8 h of trauma reduction exposure technique or 6-week wait list. Measures for post-traumatic stress disorder (PCL-17) and depression (BDI-21) were performed at baseline and at 6, 12 and 24 weeks. Data were analyzed using anova and mixed effects regression. Results: The effect of treatment vs. control was significant at 6 weeks (F(2,178) = 279.616, P<0.001): mean PCL-17 declined by 42.5 +/- 10.0 SD with yoga breath, 39.2 +/- 17.2 with Yoga breath + exposure and 4.6 +/- 13.2 in the control. Conclusion: Yoga breath-based interventions may help relieve psychological distress following mass disasters.

  • Horticultural therapy: a pilot study on modulating cortisol levels and indices of substance craving, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and quality of life in veterans.

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    Abstract Title:

    Horticultural therapy: a pilot study on modulating cortisol levels and indices of substance craving, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and quality of life in veterans.

    Abstract Source:

    Altern Ther Health Med. 2015 Jul-Aug;21(4):36-41. PMID: 26030115

    Abstract Author(s):

    Mark B Detweiler, Jennifer A Self, Sandra Lane, Luise Spencer, Brian Lutgens, Dong-Yun Kim, Mary H Halling, Tammie C Rudder, Lauren P Lehmann

    Article Affiliation:

    Mark B Detweiler

    Abstract:

    CONTEXT:Horticultural therapy (HT) is a subgroup of occupational therapy (OT). Both HT and OT have been successful as adjunctive treatment modalities in substance abuse treatment. Studies have indicated that gardening promotes neuroendocrine and affective restoration from stress.

    OBJECTIVES:The study intended to assess the effect of HT versus nonhorticultural OT on cortisol levels, depression, symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol cravings, and quality of life.

    METHODS:The research team designed a randomized pilot study.

    SETTING:The study was open for participation from July 2012-October 2012. It took place during multiple occurrences of a 28-d treatment programs for substance use disorder at a Veterans Affairs medical center. Participants• Participants were 49 veterans, averaging 46.4 y old (SD = 11.9); the dropout rate was 37%.

    INTERVENTION:Participants were randomly assigned to the HT or the OT group. They attended supervised HT and OT groups 5 h/d for 3 wk. Outcome Measures• Pre- and posttreatment, participants completed the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire-Short Form (Q-LES-Q-SF), the Alcohol Craving Questionnaire (ACQ-NOW), the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist Civilian Version (PCLC), and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Salivary cortisol samples were taken at wk 1, 2, and 3.

    RESULTS:A repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) (F2,20 = 0.878) revealed that the HT performed was associated with a 12% reduction in salivary cortisol levels from wk 1 to wk 3, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = .43). Separate 1-way analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs) revealed no statistically significant differences in the self-administered tests, although both the Q-LES-Q-SF and CES-D showed a trend toward improving quality of life and depressive symptoms in the HT group compared with the OT group. Additional analysis of the nonbiologic tests suggests that most participants in the HT and OT had some benefit from the programmed activities.

    CONCLUSIONS:The trends suggest that HT may modulate stress in veterans, as evidenced by decreased cortisol levels and depressive symptoms, and may improve quality of life more than the programs in which the OT group participated. Further investigation with larger samples, including a nontreatment control group, is needed to determine whether the observed trends are treatment effects or due to abstinence.

  • Impact of Transcendental Meditation on Psychotropic Medication Use Among Active Duty Military Service Members With Anxiety and PTSD. 📎

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    Abstract Title:

    Impact of Transcendental Meditation on Psychotropic Medication Use Among Active Duty Military Service Members With Anxiety and PTSD.

    Abstract Source:

    Mil Med. 2016 Jan ;181(1):56-63. PMID: 26741477

    Abstract Author(s):

    Vernon A Barnes, Andrea Monto, Jennifer J Williams, John L Rigg

    Article Affiliation:

    Vernon A Barnes

    Abstract:

    The purpose of the study was to determine whether the regular practice of Transcendental Meditation (TM) decreased the need for psychotropic medications required for anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) management and increased psychological wellbeing. The sample included 74 military Service Members with documented PTSD or anxiety disorder not otherwise specified (ADNOS), 37 that practiced TM and 37 that did not. At 1 month, 83.7% of the TM group stabilized, decreased, or ceased medications and 10.8% increased medication dosage; compared with 59.4% of controls that showed stabilizations, decreases, or cessations; and 40.5% that increased medications (p<0.03). A similar pattern was observed after 2 (p<0.27), 3 (p<0.002), and 6 months (p<0.34). Notably, there was a 20.5% difference between groups in severity of psychological symptoms after 6 months, that is, the control group experienced an increase in symptom severity compared with the group practicing TM. These findings provide insight into the benefits of TM as a viable treatment modality in military treatment facilities for reducing PTSD and ADNOS psychological symptoms and associated medication use.

  • Kripalu Yoga for Military Veterans With PTSD: A Randomized Trial.

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    Abstract Title:

    Kripalu Yoga for Military Veterans With PTSD: A Randomized Trial.

    Abstract Source:

    J Clin Psychol. 2017 May 19. Epub 2017 May 19. PMID: 28524358

    Abstract Author(s):

    Kristen M Reinhardt, Jessica J Noggle Taylor, Jennifer Johnston, Abida Zameer, Seetal Cheema, Sat Bir S Khalsa

    Article Affiliation:

    Kristen M Reinhardt

    Abstract:

    OBJECTIVES:This randomized controlled trial of yoga for military veterans and active duty personnel with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) evaluated the efficacy of a 10-week yoga intervention on PTSD.

    METHOD:Fifty-one participants were randomized into yoga or no-treatment assessment-only control groups. Primary outcome measures included questionnaires and the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale.

    RESULTS:Both yoga (n = 9) and control (n = 6) participants showed significant decreases in reexperiencing symptoms, with no significant between-group differences. Secondary within-group analyses of a self-selected wait-list yoga group (n = 7) showed significant reductions in PTSD symptoms after yoga participation, in contrast to their control group participation. Consistent with current literature regarding high rates of PTSD treatment dropout for veterans, this study faced challenges retaining participants across conditions.

    CONCLUSION:These results are consistent with recent literature indicating that yoga may have potential as a PTSD therapy in a veteran or military population. However, additional larger sample size trials are necessary to confirm this conclusion.

  • Low pressure hyperbaric oxygen therapy and SPECT brain imaging in the treatment of blast-induced chronic traumatic brain injury (post-concussion syndrome) and post traumatic stress disorder: a case report. 📎

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    Abstract Title:

    Low pressure hyperbaric oxygen therapy and SPECT brain imaging in the treatment of blast-induced chronic traumatic brain injury (post-concussion syndrome) and post traumatic stress disorder: a case report.

    Abstract Source:

    Cases J. 2009;2:6538. Epub 2009 Jun 9. PMID: 19829822

    Abstract Author(s):

    Paul G Harch, Edward F Fogarty, Paul K Staab, Keith Van Meter

    Abstract:

    A 25-year-old male military veteran presented with diagnoses of post concussion syndrome and post traumatic stress disorder three years after loss of consciousness from an explosion in combat. The patient underwent single photon emission computed tomography brain blood flow imaging before and after a block of thirty-nine 1.5 atmospheres absolute hyperbaric oxygen treatments. The patient experienced a permanent marked improvement in his post-concussive symptoms, physical exam findings, and brain blood flow. In addition, he experienced a complete resolution of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. After treatment he became and has remained employed for eight consecutive months. This case suggests a novel treatment for the combined diagnoses of blast-induced post-concussion syndrome and post-traumatic stress disorder.

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  • Meditation for Posttraumatic Stress: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

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    Abstract Title:

    Meditation for Posttraumatic Stress: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

    Abstract Source:

    Psychol Trauma. 2016 Aug 18. Epub 2016 Aug 18. PMID: 27537781

    Abstract Author(s):

    Lara Hilton, Alicia Ruelaz Maher, Benjamin Colaiaco, Eric Apaydin, Melony E Sorbero, Marika Booth, Roberta M Shanman, Susanne Hempel

    Article Affiliation:

    Lara Hilton

    Abstract:

    We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis that synthesized evidence from randomized controlled trials of meditation interventions to provide estimates of their efficacy and safety in treating adults diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This review was based on an established protocol (PROSPERO: CRD42015025782) and is reported according to PRISMA guidelines. Outcomes of interest included PTSD symptoms, depression, anxiety, health-related quality of life, functional status, and adverse events. Meta-analyses were conducted using the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman method for random-effects models. Quality of evidence was assessed using the Grade of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. In total, 10 trials on meditation interventions for PTSD with 643 participants met inclusion criteria. Across interventions, adjunctive meditation interventions of mindfulness-based stress reduction, yoga, and the mantram repetition program improve PTSD and depression symptoms compared with control groups, but the findings are based on low and moderate quality of evidence. Effects were positive but not statistically significant for quality of life and anxiety, and no studies addressed functional status. The variety of meditation intervention types, the short follow-up times, and the quality of studies limited analyses. No adverse events were reported in the included studies; only half of the studies reported on safety. Meditation appears to be effective for PTSD and depression symptoms, but in order to increase confidence in findings, more high-quality studies are needed on meditation as adjunctive treatment with PTSD-diagnosed participant samples large enough to detect statistical differences in outcomes. (PsycINFO Database Record

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