Mindfulness Treatment Effective for Veterans With PTSD, Study Finds

Two complementary treatments —mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and present-centered group therapy (PCGT)—appeared to benefit U.S. military veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to astudy published today in Psychiatric Research and Clinical Practice.Complementary and integrative health approaches, such as mindfulness meditation, are intended to be integrated with evidence-based treatment, such as trauma-focused psychotherapy and antidepressant medications, wrote Lori L. Davis, M.D., the associate chief of staff for Research and Development Service at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Tuscaloosa, Ala., and colleagues.Veterans with a diagnosis of PTSD were recruited from three clinical research sites and randomly assigned to receive eight weekly, 90-minute sessions (n=214) of either MBSR or PCGT. Patients were evaluated using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale forDSM-IV (CAPS-IV) and the 17-item PTSD Checklist-Self Report at the start of the study as well as at weeks 3, 6, 9, and 16.MBSR is a technique taught in a series of classes that trains individuals to focus attention on thoughts, sensations, and feelings as they appear. The MBSR group received training in various meditation and stretching techniques, with a focus on mindful awareness, participated in a six-hour retreat, and were given two guided meditation CDs for home use. The PCGT treatment focused on creating an atmosphere of shared support among veterans and helping them to...
Source: Psychiatr News - Category: Psychiatry Tags: Lori Davis mindfulness posttraumatic stress disorder present-centered group therapy Psychiatric Research and Clinical Practice PTSD U.S. military veterans Source Type: research