A Pilot Project to Reduce PTSD Symptoms in U.S. Veterans Using an Innovative Therapy

Abstract

Abstract PTSD is a common psychological disorder affecting numerous U.S. veterans, especially those returning from deployment. This psychological distress poses tremendous negative impacts not only on the physical health of the veterans but also on the well-being of the veterans and their family. Although several interventions, including non-pharmacological treatments, have been used to assist veterans in treating their PTSD symptoms, barriers related to perceived stigma, access to care, and engagement in treatments remain a concern. An innovative therapy overcoming these barriers is needed to increase the effectiveness of the existing therapies and to increase treatment-seeking and engagement in treatment. The purpose of this pilot project is to examine the effectiveness of using an innovative therapy to improve the PTSD symptoms of the U.S. veterans participants with PTSD. This innovative therapy combines several complementary alternative therapies (CAT) such as mindfulness meditation, auricular acupoint stimulation, and light/music therapies and is added to their current treatment plan. The goal is to use this innovative therapy to reduce the PTSD symptoms in U.S. veterans suffering with PTSD. The CAT was delivered through a headphone product with the capability of providing guided visualization/meditation, light/music therapy, and auriculotherapy. The CAT was added to the current treatment regime of five U.S. veterans recruited in Greater Kansas City for six weeks. One measurement was completed for initial assessment of the level of PTSD symptoms and was repeated during and at the end of the six weeks of treatment. Data is presented on an individualist basis as opposed to a combined basis due to the small number of participants. The results of this pilot project do not necessarily represent the population targeted because statistical significance cannot be ascertained without using statistical comparison. Further projects with larger participants or with a control group are encouraged to examine the effectiveness of this innovative therapy that is unique with its characteristics of self-directed, autonomous use, and combined CAT.