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Braun TD, Bhuptani PH, O’Keefe B, Abrantes AM, Marsh E, Holzhauer CG. Mindful self-compassion for veteran women with a history of military sexual trauma: feasibility, acceptability, potential benefits, and considerations. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2024; 15:2301205. [PMID: 38349003 PMCID: PMC10866049 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2023.2301205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Military sexual trauma (MST) is reported by up to 74% of women veterans in the United States and is a driver of poor behavioural and physical health. Self-compassion is a transdiagnostic, protective factor linked with improved posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and health behaviours. Thus, Mindful Self-Compassion training (MSC) may help ameliorate MST-related impacts. However, MSC can also temporarily increase distress (i.e. backdraft). Delivering it with elective trauma-informed yoga (TIY), which regulates acute distress, may help address this issue.Objective: This VA quality improvement project examined feasibility, acceptability, and reported benefits and challenges of a manualized 8-week MSC including within non-randomized subgroups: MSC (n = 4) and MSC+ elective TIY classes (MSC+; n = 4).Methods: Nine women veterans with a history of MST at a Vet Center in the Northeastern U.S.A. enrolled; eight completed, excluding one MSC+ participant. Measures included attrition (n = 9), attendance (n = 8), weekly (n = 8) and posttreatment acceptability (n = 6), validated symptom severity assessments (n = 7), and an exit interview (n = 8).Results: Among completers, MSC attendance was excellent (89%) and higher among in MSC+ vs. MSC (94% vs. 84% sessions completed). On average across the two groups, depressive and PTSD symptom severity decreased by 21% and 30%, respectively. In exit interviews, participants across groups described improved coping with distress and psychiatric symptoms, reduced stress, and improved self-care and health behaviours. Although women in both groups reported backdraft during the programme, MSC+ also reported healthier coping and improved emotional processing.Conclusion: The results of this programme evaluation infer MSC may be feasible, acceptable, and beneficial for women survivors of MST in one Vet Center in the Northeastern USA. Further, temporary elevations in MSC-related distress may be ameliorated with adjunctive TIY. Given requests of women veterans in the USA. for additional complementary and integrative health treatment options, formal research on these approaches is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tosca D. Braun
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
- VA Central Western Massachusetts, Leeds, MA, USA
| | - Prachi H. Bhuptani
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | - Ana M. Abrantes
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | - Cathryn Glanton Holzhauer
- VA Central Western Massachusetts, Leeds, MA, USA
- University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
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Richard D, Rousseau D, Umapathy K, Pandya H, Rousis G, Peeples P. Exploring the Impact of a Trauma-informed Yoga and Mindfulness Curriculum for Multiple Populations: A Pilot Study. Explore (NY) 2024; 20:54-61. [PMID: 37365081 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2023.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Individuals with trauma experience negative mental health impacts and are at risk of poor cardiovascular outcomes. Unmanaged, these conditions may worsen, compromising healing and wellbeing. Yoga, particularly trauma-informed, may improve outcomes. The current pilot study explores the impact of a novel trauma-informed yoga and mindfulness curriculum on wellbeing in two parts. The first examined mental health (stress, mood) outcomes in four trauma-impacted populations: adults who were incarcerated (INC), individuals in recovery from substance use disorders (SU), veterans (VA), and vulnerable youth (YTH) assessing both the impact of individual class participation and impact of attending at least four curriculum sessions. For the subgroup of incarcerated individuals, impact by theme was examined. After curriculum sessions, stress was reduced, and mood improved. Across multiple sessions both the largest decreases in stress and greatest increase in mood occurred after participant in the first session. Further, a specific exploration of curriculum class impact by theme for participants who were incarcerated indicated no difference in impact by theme. The second part of this study explored cardiovascular outcomes for the population of those in recovery from substance use. Reductions in systolic blood pressure occurred immediately after the first curriculum session, and diastolic blood pressure reduced over three consecutive sessions.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Richard
- University of North Florida, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224, United States.
| | - D Rousseau
- Boston University, 1010 Commonwealth Avenue, Rm 510, Boston, MA 02215, United States.
| | - K Umapathy
- University of North Florida, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224, United States.
| | - H Pandya
- SS&C Technologies, 9000 Southside Blvd, Building 700, Jacksonville FL 32256, United States
| | - G Rousis
- University of South Florida, 4202 E., Fowler Avenue, PCD 4118 G, Tampa, FL 33620, United States.
| | - P Peeples
- The Peeples Collaborative, 1327 Walnut Street, Jacksonville, FL, United States
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Chopra D, Stern E, Bushell WC, Castle RD. Yoga and pain: A mind-body complex system. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2023; 4:1075866. [PMID: 36910253 PMCID: PMC9996306 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2023.1075866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The human body's response to pain is indicative of a complex adaptive system. Therapeutic yoga potentially represents a similar complex adaptive system that could interact with the pain response system with unique benefits. Objectives To determine the viability of yoga as a therapy for pain and whether pain responses and/or yoga practice should be considered complex adaptive systems. Methods Examination through 3 different approaches, including a narrative overview of the evidence on pain responses, yoga, and complex system, followed by a network analysis of associated keywords, followed by a mapping of the functional components of complex systems, pain response, and yoga. Results The narrative overview provided extensive evidence of the unique efficacy of yoga as a pain therapy, as well as articulating the relevance of applying complex systems perspectives to pain and yoga interventions. The network analysis demonstrated patterns connecting pain and yoga, while complex systems topics were the most extensively connected to the studies as a whole. Conclusion All three approaches support considering yoga a complex adaptive system that exhibits unique benefits as a pain management system. These findings have implications for treating chronic, pervasive pain with behavioral medicine as a systemic intervention. Approaching yoga as complex system suggests the need for research of mind-body topics that focuses on long-term systemic changes rather than short-term isolated effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eddie Stern
- Vivekananda Yoga University, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | | | - Ryan D Castle
- Chopra Foundation Institute, Honolulu, HI, United States
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English A, McKibben E, Sivaramakrishnan D, Hart N, Richards J, Kelly P. A Rapid Review Exploring the Role of Yoga in Healing Psychological Trauma. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16180. [PMID: 36498254 PMCID: PMC9741324 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The evidence regarding the benefits of yoga for treating psychological trauma is well-established; however, there is a paucity of qualitative reviews exploring this topic. The purpose of this rapid review is to gain a deeper understanding of the impact that yoga can have on people with a history of psychological trauma and to reveal barriers and facilitators to the uptake of yoga in this cohort, from a qualitative perspective. The Ovid(EMBASE), Ovid(MEDLINE), PsycINFO, PubMed, and SPORTDiscus databases were searched using key terms. The systematic search generated 148 records, and 11 peer-reviewed articles met the inclusion criteria. The following main impacts of yoga on participants were identified: feeling an increased sense of self-compassion; feeling more centred; developing their coping skills; having a better mind-body relationship; and improving their relationships with others. The main barriers were also identified: concerns initiating yoga; time and motivational issues; and the costs and location of classes. The main facilitator was the feeling of safety generated in the trauma-informed yoga classes. This review suggests that yoga offers great potential in the field of trauma recovery. Despite this, more high-quality research with rigorous methodologies is called for to allow this field to advance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arabella English
- Edinburgh Medical School, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Elizabeth McKibben
- Faculty of Health, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
| | - Divya Sivaramakrishnan
- Physical Activity for Health Research Centre (PAHRC), The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 8AQ, UK
| | - Niamh Hart
- Physical Activity for Health Research Centre (PAHRC), The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 8AQ, UK
| | - Justin Richards
- Faculty of Health, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
| | - Paul Kelly
- Physical Activity for Health Research Centre (PAHRC), The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 8AQ, UK
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McIver S, O’Shea M, Nixon B, Seidler Z, Evans S. “The only man on the mat”: yoga as a therapeutic pathway for men’s mental health. AUSTRALIAN PSYCHOLOGIST 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/00050067.2022.2093624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shane McIver
- Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
| | - Melissa O’Shea
- Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
| | - Bo Nixon
- Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
| | - Zac Seidler
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Subhadra Evans
- Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
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Reis DJ, Gaddy MA, Chen GJ. Exercise to Reduce Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in Veterans. Fed Pract 2022; 39:158-166. [PMID: 35756827 PMCID: PMC9217079 DOI: 10.12788/fp.0248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical exercise offers benefits for treating psychological disorders, particularly depression. Exercise is associated with reduction of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in civilians. Given the comorbidities and unique trauma experiences of the veteran population, the current work aims to estimate the effect of exercise on PTSD symptoms in veteran samples. OBSERVATIONS A systematic review identified 6 single-arm studies and 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using exercise as an interventional treatment among veteran samples with full or subsyndromal PTSD. Most single-arm studies used yoga-based interventions, whereas RCTs showed more variety and included yoga, aerobic activity, and resistance exercises. Data synthesis of study results revealed a medium standardized mean difference for the single-arm trials (Hedges g, -0.60, P = .03) and a small-to-medium standardized mean difference for the RCTs (Hedges g, -0.40, P = .06). Single-arm studies were all rated at serious risk of bias. Only 1 RCT was rated at high risk of bias, although the remaining RCTs showed some concern of elevated bias. CONCLUSIONS There is preliminary evidence that exercise may be a useful treatment option for PTSD symptom reduction in veterans. Our review also highlights the need for additional high-quality randomized trials to confirm the benefits of exercise for PTSD symptom reduction in veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Reis
- Veterans Affairs Dwight D. Eisenhower Medical Center, Leavenworth, Kansas
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center for Veteran Suicide Prevention, Aurora, Colorado
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, Aurora
| | - Melinda A Gaddy
- Veterans Affairs Dwight D. Eisenhower Medical Center, Leavenworth, Kansas
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Kansas City
| | - Guoqing J Chen
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Kansas City
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Nascimento JCP, Santos KVGD, Dantas JKDS, Dantas DV, Dantas RAN. Non-pharmacological therapies for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder among emergency responders: a scoping review. Rev Esc Enferm USP 2021; 55:e03724. [PMID: 34161443 DOI: 10.1590/s1980-220x2020011603724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Identify non-pharmacological therapies for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder in emergency responders. METHOD Scope review according to the guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute and the PRISMA-ScR protocol. A search was conducted in nine databases, portals of theses and dissertations, and using an electronic search engine. RESULTS In total, 23 studies were selected and analyzed, and then categorized into six thematic fields - therapy with omega 3 food supplement, art therapy, physical exercise therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, therapy with elements of nature, and psychotherapy - which were considered non-pharmacological treatments for this psychopathology among emergency responders, as well as the use of psychotherapy via telehealth as an option for treatment. CONCLUSION More evidence supporting diet therapy is required, while the other therapeutic options presented positive results, finding support in national and international recommendations of treatment and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Daniele Vieira Dantas
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Departamento de Enfermagem, Natal, RN, Brazil
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Braun TD, Uebelacker LA, Ward M, Holzhauer CG, McCallister K, Abrantes A. "We really need this": Trauma-informed yoga for Veteran women with a history of military sexual trauma. Complement Ther Med 2021; 59:102729. [PMID: 33965560 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Up to 70% of women service members in the United States report military sexual trauma (MST); many develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and co-occurring disorders. Trauma-informed yoga (TIY) is suggested to improve psychiatric symptoms and shown feasible and acceptable in emerging research, yet no work has evaluated TIY in MST survivors. The current quality improvement project aimed to examine TIY's feasibility, acceptability, and perceived effects in the context of MST. DESIGN Collective case series (N = 7). SETTING New England Vet Center. INTERVENTIONS Extant TIY program (Mindful Yoga Therapy) adapted for Veteran women with MST in concurrent psychotherapy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Attrition and attendance; qualitative exit interview; validated self-report measure of negative affect pre/post each yoga class, and symptom severity assessments and surveys before (T1; Time 1) and after the yoga program (T2; Time 2). RESULTS Feasibility was demonstrated and women reported TIY was acceptable. In qualitative interviews, women reported improved symptom severity, diet, exercise, alcohol use, sleep, and pain; reduced medication use; and themes related to stress reduction, mindfulness, and self-compassion. Regarding quantitative change, results suggest acute reductions in negative affect following yoga sessions across participants, as well as improved affect dysregulation, shame, and mindfulness T1 to T2. CONCLUSIONS TIY is both feasible and acceptable to Veteran women MST survivors in one specific Vet Center, with perceived behavioral health benefits. Results suggest TIY may target psychosocial mechanisms implicated in health behavior change (stress reduction, mindfulness, affect regulation, shame). Formal research should be conducted to confirm these QI project results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tosca D Braun
- VA Central Western Massachusetts, 421 N. Main St., Leeds, MA, 01053, United States; West Springfield, MA Vet Center, 95 Ashley Ave., West Springfield, MA, 01089-1352, United States; Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, 196 Richmond St., Providence, RI, 02903, United States(1); Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Box G-BH, 700 Butler Drive, Providence, RI, 02906, United States.
| | - Lisa A Uebelacker
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Box G-BH, 700 Butler Drive, Providence, RI, 02906, United States; Psychosocial Research, Butler Hospital, 345 Blackstone Blvd., Providence, RI, 02906, United States.
| | - Mariana Ward
- Memorial Sloan Kettering, Sloan Kettering Institute, 1275 York Ave., New York, NY, 10065, United States.
| | - Cathryn Glanton Holzhauer
- VA Central Western Massachusetts, 421 N. Main St., Leeds, MA, 01053, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Ave., North Worcester, MA, 01655, United States.
| | - Kelly McCallister
- West Springfield, MA Vet Center, 95 Ashley Ave., West Springfield, MA, 01089-1352, United States.
| | - Ana Abrantes
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Box G-BH, 700 Butler Drive, Providence, RI, 02906, United States; Behavioral Medicine and Addictions Research, Butler Hospital, 345 Blackstone Blvd., Providence, RI, 02906, United States.
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