What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common treatments for PTSD include trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and pharmacotherapy with SSRIs or SNRIs. Trauma-focused CBT and exposure therapy generally have minimal physical side effects but can cause temporary increases in anxiety or distress as patients confront traumatic memories. SSRIs and SNRIs, such as sertraline and venlafaxine, can cause side effects including nausea, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, and increased sweating. Art therapy, which enhances emotional expression and regulation, is generally well-tolerated with few reported side effects, though it may initially evoke strong emotional responses as patients process trauma.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

The FDA has approved several medications for the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline and paroxetine, and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine. Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are also used for patients who do not respond to SSRIs. Prazosin is commonly used to address sleep disturbances and nightmares associated with PTSD. While art therapy is being studied for its potential benefits in emotional expression and regulation, it is not currently FDA-approved for PTSD treatment.

What other types of research exist?

Promising novel alternatives to art therapy for PTSD patients include transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Both modalities have shown potential in improving emotional regulation and neurological engagement. TMS, in particular, has demonstrated benefits in small controlled trials for poststroke aphasia and Alzheimer's disease, suggesting its potential applicability for PTSD. Additionally, therapies like yoga, mindfulness-based practices, and music therapy, which emphasize mind-body connections, may also be beneficial.

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Art Therapy for PTSD in Military Service Members

N/A

Recruiting

Led By Chandler Rhodes, PhD

Research Sponsored by Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Be between 18 and 65 years old

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up week 10

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial studies how art therapy can help military personnel manage their emotions and reduce symptoms of stress and trauma. Participants will attend several sessions, including art therapy sessions to observe changes in emotional regulation. Art therapy has been explored as a treatment for PTSD in military personnel, showing potential benefits in emotional regulation and communication.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for active duty or veteran military personnel who have been separated within the last 5 years and are experiencing significant posttraumatic stress symptoms. They must be eligible for DEERS and score at least 31 on the PCL-5 scale. People with certain medical conditions, metal implants, severe brain injuries, substance use disorders, psychotic disorders, or those unable to consent are not eligible.

What is being tested?

The study tests how art therapy affects emotional expression and regulation in service members with posttraumatic symptoms. Participants will attend ten sessions over twelve weeks including interviews, self-assessment questionnaires, MRI scans before and after therapy sessions, and tasks involving exposure to various images during MRI.

What are the potential side effects?

Art therapy is generally considered safe but may bring up strong emotions or memories related to trauma which can be distressing. The MRI procedure might cause discomfort for some due to its enclosed nature or loud noises.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ week 10

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~week 10

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and week 10 for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

The Measure is analysis of functional neuroimaging metrics

Secondary study objectives

General Self Efficacy Scale (GSES)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7)

Moral Injury Events Scale (MIES)

+6 more

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Art Therapy ArmExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

8 weeks of individual art therapy

Treatment

First Studied

Drug Approval Stage

How many patients have taken this drug

Art Therapy

2016

Completed Phase 2

~800

Do I qualify?Apply below to find out

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Common treatments for PTSD include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and supportive psychotherapy. These therapies work by helping patients process traumatic memories, reduce avoidance behaviors, and regulate negative emotions. Art therapy, similar to these treatments, enhances emotional expression and regulation through creative expression and neurological engagement. This is crucial for PTSD patients as it provides a non-verbal outlet for trauma processing, helps in accessing and expressing emotions, and can improve overall emotional well-being.

Art Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Combat-Related PTSD: A Randomized Controlled Trial.