Pilot Trial of Mobile Mantram Delivery

Easily accessible interventions to address post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can play critical role in reducing PTSD and associated symptoms in Veterans, especially for those who remain symptomatic after treatment with other evidence-based interventions, those who prefer complimentary and integrative therapies, or those who have difficulty accessing traditional face-to-face mental health services. The value of these programs is their ability to provide Veterans with more options in their recovery journey and to reach a broad range of Veterans across multiple settings, including remote rural contexts.

The Mantram Repetition Program (MRP) is a meditation-based practice that consists of the repetition of a spiritual word, one-pointed attention, and slowing down. MRP has been shown to reduce stress in several high-risk populations, and two large randomized, controlled studies show that MRP reduces PTSD symptoms among Veterans. A brief, web-based, self-directed version of MRP has been developed to increase the accessibility of evidence-based PTSD treatment. This version of MRP was tested in a pilot study with undergraduate students, demonstrating its ease of use and success in getting students to engage with the practice. The proposed mixed method study will use the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework to evaluate the mobile MRP in Veterans with PTSD in two conditions: self-directed and with text/phone support. Data from this pilot study will inform the refinement of the MRP delivery strategy and the development of a full-scale trial to test its effectiveness and implementation outcomes, as well as barriers and facilitators, and other contextual factors.

Inclusion criteria

• Veteran
• Primary clinical complaint of PTSD
• Access to an Internet-enabled device

Exclusion criteria

• Cognitive impairment or mental health concerns that necessitated a higher level of care or interfered with ability to engage in study activities