Using Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) to Promote Stress Resilience in those with Co-Occurring Mild TBI and PTSD
Abstract
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) co-occur at a high rate in Soldiers and Veterans. Despite this, there is a paucity of evidence-based treatments for those dealing with mTBI/PTSD symptoms and their exacerbation by stress. Using a placebo-controlled, randomized, blinded design, the current study is testing the following hypothesis: active acupressure (more than Placebo) will reduce the adverse effects of stress in Veterans with co-occurring mTBI/PTSD, which will be evident in measures of anxiety, perceived stress, distress, psychiatric health, memory and in a laboratory stress task. Veterans have been recruited since regulatory approval was obtained (August 2012) and enrolled in the study in an ongoing manner, with several having already completed the study protocol or being in process. Because the study is ongoing, there are no data to report as of yet. The findings of the present study hold significant military significance: a safe, portable, low-cost, efficacious and accessible treatment strategy would benefit Veterans, family members and the military/VA health care systems. Results of the ongoing study will determine if acupressure is such a treatment strategy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA599433
Entities
People
- Theresa D. Hernandez
Organizations
- University of Colorado Boulder