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Completed

NCT Number: NCT00514956

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

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic Combat Disorders Mental Disorders Stress Disorders, Traumatic Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders

Age range

18 year–70 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Phase 1

Primary location

Marshall University Medical School, Charleston, West Virginia, United States

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About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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

Treatment and study plan

EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUES (EFT)

Behavioral

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in baseline cortisol and DHEA production

    Time frame: Six months

Secondary outcomes

  1. Changes in scores on Trauma Assessment Inventory and other instruments normed for trauma

    Time frame: Six months

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Soul Medicine Institute

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effect of Emotional Freedom Technique and Diaphragmatic Breathing on PTSD

Important dates

Study start
2007
Primary completion
2009
Study completion
2009
First posted
Aug 10, 2007
Registry last updated
Sep 22, 2009

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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