This is a randomized controlled 2 year trial at Camp Pendleton, CA to determine whether a complementary medicine intervention (Healing Touch with Guided Imagery, HT+GI) reduces Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms as compared to treatment as usual (TAU) in returning combat-exposed active duty military with significant PTSD symptoms. Secondary aims will evaluate the effect of HT and GI on measures of depression, hostility, and general health status in this population.
The study enrolled 123 active duty subjects from the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in Southern California with at least one or more symptoms of PTSD .
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
123
Healing Touch (HT) is an energy based approach to health and healing. It uses light touch to influence the energy field that surrounds the body, and the energy centers which control the flow of energy to the physical body. HT complements traditional health care and is used together with other approaches to health and healing. Guided Imagery (GI) is a form of focused relaxation used to create harmony between the mind and body. Positive mental imagery can promote relaxation, reduce stress and improve mood as well as alter heart rate, blood pressure and breathing.
Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine
La Jolla, California, United States
17-item PTSD Checklist (Military)is used to determine the effect of the intervention
Time frame: After 6 treatments of healing touch and guided imagery
Depression (Beck Depression Inventory)
Time frame: After 6 treatments of healing touch and guided imagery
Quality of Life (SF36)
Time frame: After 6 treatments of healing touch and guided imagery
Hostility (Cook-Medley Hostility Inventory)
Time frame: After 6 treatments of healing touch and guided
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