Acupuncture for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Among Military Personnel

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Clinical Trial

Official title: Acupuncture for the Treatment of Trauma Survivors

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among military personnel.

Clinical Trial Description

Untreated Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) leads to decreased force readiness and increased health care utilization. Yet, service members with the disorder may be resistant to traditional treatments or find them undesirable because of side-effects, stigma, and long-term commitment. Acupuncture, which has few known side effects, holds promise as an effective treatment option for PTSD. Acupuncture has been shown to improve well-being and has been successfully used to treat stress, anxiety and pain conditions. In order to test the efficacy of acupuncture for treating the symptoms of PTSD—measured by the PTSD Checklist (PCL)—a 12-week, randomized, waitlist-controlled trial will be conducted using a sample of 75 active duty military personnel. Participants will receive an eight-session acupuncture treatment, and will be evaluated throughout the study by way of clinical assessments and an independent assessing acupuncturist. ;

Study Design

Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Single Blind (Caregiver), Primary Purpose: Treatment

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
• Stress Disorders, Traumatic

• NCT number: NCT00320138
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine
• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 1
• Start date: March 2006
• Completion date: October 2007