Effect of Emotional Freedom Technique and Diaphragmatic Breathing on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Phase 1

Completed

• Conditions: Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic

• Registration Number: NCT00514956
• Lead Sponsor: Soul Medicine Institute

Brief Summary

A great many soldiers are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Clinical experience with many people has shown the effectiveness of the techniques of Energy Psychology for rapidly alleviating PTSD symptoms. The study proposes to determine whether a very brief course of treatment (3 sessions) with a common form of Energy Psychology called Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) has an effect on the stress biochemistry of subjects, by measuring their levels of stress hormones (cortisol, DHEA) before and after treatment.

Detailed Description

The Purpose of the Research: The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) versus Diaphragmatic Breathing in Reducing Post Traumatic Stress Disorders.

The Scientific or Scholarly Rationale: Clinical experience and anecdotal reports have demonstrated EFT to be effective for a wide range of behavioral disorders, including PTSD. However with the exception of several studies demonstrating the efficacy of EFT for the treatment of simple phobias, there have been no formal research studies in this area. It is the intention of this study to extend the phobia studies to the area of PTSD, and to determine what other conditions EFT might be effective in treating. Another intention of this study is to see whether, and to what degree, changes in psychological functioning (as measure by the PAI and TSI) are reflected in physiological markers such as HRV (Heart Rate Variability) and levels of cortisol and DHEA.

The Procedures to be Performed: Approximately 8 to 10 subjects would be randomly designated to either the experimental or Diaphragmatic Breathing control groups. There will be 4-5 subjects in the EFT experimental group and 4-5 subjects in the control Diaphragmatic Breathing group.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2007-08-08
• Study First Submitted QC: 2007-08-09
• Study First Posted: 2007-08-10
• Study Start: 2007-09
• Primary Completion: 2009-01
• Study Completion: 2009-01
• Status Verified: 2009-09
• Last Update Submitted: 2009-09-21
• Last Update Posted: 2009-09-22

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 12

Inclusion Criteria

• PTSD
• Recent Service in Afghanistan or Iraq
• Good Health History

Exclusion Criteria

• Illegal Drug Use
• Recent Physical Trauma
• Head injuries, concussions, amputees
• Mental health issues prior to entering military service

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: SINGLE_GROUP

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in baseline cortisol and DHEA production	Six months

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Changes in scores on Trauma Assessment Inventory and other instruments normed for trauma	Six months

Trial Locations

Locations (2)

Marshall University, Joan Edwards School of Medicine; 🇺🇸 Huntington, West Virginia, United States

Marshall University Medical School; 🇺🇸 Charleston, West Virginia, United States