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A spiritually based group intervention for combat veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder: feasibility study
Jill E Bormann1, Steven Thorp, Julie L Wetherell
1VA San Diego Healthcare System and San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92161, USA. jill.bormann@va.gov
Summary
Mantram repetition, a spiritual practice, showed significant promise in reducing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and psychological distress in veterans. This feasible intervention demonstrated large effect sizes for symptom improvement.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Background:
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) significantly impacts veterans' well-being.
- Effective and accessible interventions for PTSD symptom management are crucial.
- Spiritual practices offer a potential avenue for therapeutic support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of mantram repetition for managing PTSD symptoms in veterans.
- To determine the effect sizes of mantram repetition on PTSD symptom severity, psychological distress, and quality of life.
- To assess patient satisfaction with mantram repetition as a therapeutic intervention.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial with a delayed-treatment control group was employed.
- Participants were veterans diagnosed with PTSD.
- Measures included PTSD symptom severity, psychological distress, quality of life, and patient satisfaction.
Main Results:
- Large effect sizes (Cohen's d = -0.72) were observed in reducing PTSD symptom severity.
- Significant reductions in psychological distress (d = -0.73) and improvements in quality of life (d = -0.70) were noted.
- The intervention was found to be feasible, with high participant completion rates (88%) and moderate to high satisfaction.
Conclusions:
- Mantram repetition is a feasible spiritual intervention for veterans with PTSD.
- The practice shows promise for improving PTSD symptoms, psychological distress, and quality of life.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and explore long-term effects.
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