Effects of Mindfulness on PTSD

University of Rochester

Status: Completed

Conditions: Mindfulness; Stress Disorder, Posttraumatic

Treatments: Behavioral: Wellness Group; Behavioral: Mindfulness-based stress reduction

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT03484390

64139

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of this randomized control trial is to examine the effects of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program on women with posttraumatic stress disorder related to intimate partner violence.

Full description

Posttraumatic stress disorder is a prevalent, chronic, and debilitating disorder characterized by a reduced capacity to adapt to stressors, marked by poor regulation in the following domains: emotion, attentional function, and physiological stress. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) holds promise for treating symptoms of trauma and PTSD as evidence suggests it targets these domains. The central hypothesis is that MBSR, which teaches non-judgmental awareness, can improve emotion regulation and attentional function, and diminish physiological stress dysregulation, which in turn will improve PTSD symptoms. We will examine changes in stress capacity and PTSD symptom severity among women survivors of intimate partner violence with PTSD after participation in an MBSR program.

Enrollment: 35 patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 18 to 64 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• English-speaking
• Women
• 18-64 years of age
• Victim of IPV
• Meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD
• No or stable use of medications (including, for example, beta blockers).

Exclusion criteria

• There is suspicion or evidence of dementia or cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental State Examination score < 24) or inability to provide informed consent
• They have ever been a perpetrator of IPV
• History of schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder; current suicidality with either plan, intent, or a suicide attempt in the past 6 months
• Active substance dependence or in remission < 3 months
• Cardiovascular conditions (e.g., congestive heart failure, pacemaker, prior myocardial infarction)
• The age range was chosen to reduce heterogeneity in this pilot study, as aging is associated with changes in emotion regulation, attention, and PNS tone.

Trial design

35 participants in 2 patient groups

Mindfulness-based stress reduction

Experimental group

Description:

The MBSR program is a manualized course that includes meditation, relaxing movement, and breathing. A certified MBSR instructor will teach the courses in a group-based format for 120 minute sessions, once per week for eight weeks.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Mindfulness-based stress reduction

Wellness Group

Active Comparator group

Description:

The Wellness control group uses a health education manual that provides information on various aspects of health, including diet, physical activity, sleep, stress management, and communication. The manual is used during weekly check-in phone calls for an 8-week period.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Wellness Group