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Transcendental Meditation vs Present Centered Therapy for PTSD
N/A
Waitlist Available
Led By Yuval Neria, PhD
Research Sponsored by Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc.
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial Must have
Be older than 18 years old
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up baseline, at 6 weeks, post-treatment: approximately 3 months and 6 months from intake
Awards & highlights
No Placebo-Only Group
Summary
This trial tests two treatments, Transcendental Meditation (TM) and Present Centered Therapy (PCT), for veterans and first responders with PTSD. TM uses meditation to calm the nervous system, while PCT focuses on current issues and coping strategies. Early research shows that Transcendental Meditation (TM) can help with PTSD. The goal is to find helpful treatments for PTSD in this group.
Who is the study for?
This trial is for right-handed veterans and first responders aged 18-80 with PTSD, who can consent and are English literate. They must have a CAPS-5 score ≥ 25 and symptoms for at least 3 months. Exclusions include severe substance use disorders (except nicotine), unstable medical conditions, certain metal implants, claustrophobia in MRI scanners, recent psychiatric hospitalization or medication changes, pregnancy/breastfeeding women, current psychotherapy or meditation therapy users.
What is being tested?
The study compares Transcendental Meditation (TM) with Present Centered Therapy (PCT) in treating PTSD. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the treatments and assessed five times over six months via videoconferencing. The New York State Psychiatric Institute/Columbia protocol includes pre-and post-treatment MRIs to study brain changes.
What are the potential side effects?
While not explicitly stated for this trial, common side effects from meditation practices like TM may include discomfort during practice or increased awareness of negative feelings. PCT generally has minimal side effects but could potentially cause distress when discussing traumatic events.
Timeline
Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~ baseline, at 6 weeks, post-treatment: approximately 3 months and 6 months from intake
Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~baseline, at 6 weeks, post-treatment: approximately 3 months and 6 months from intake
Treatment Details
Study Objectives
Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.Primary study objectives
Change in PTSD symptoms over time
Secondary study objectives
Change in depressive symptoms over time
Awards & Highlights
No Placebo-Only Group
All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.
Trial Design
2Treatment groups
Active Control
Group I: Present Centered Therapy (PCT):Active Control1 Intervention
PCT is a focused time-limited treatment for PTSD that focuses on increasing adaptive responses to current life stressors and difficulties that are directly or indirectly related to trauma or PTSD symptoms. PCT was originally designed as a treatment comparator in trials evaluating the effectiveness of trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapies such as PE and CPT. Several clinical trials have indicated that PCT may be an effective treatment option for PTSD and that patients may drop out of PCT at lower rates relative to trauma focused forms of CBT.
Group II: Transcendental Meditation (TM):Active Control1 Intervention
TM treatment for PTSD is designed to reduce stress, facilitate deep rest, and increase well-being. It was originally conceptualized as an effortless technique to enable physical relaxation. The treatment will be delivered by experienced, certified TM instructors receiving weekly supervision.
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 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) include meditation and mindfulness-based therapies, such as Transcendental Meditation (TM), which focus on stress reduction and emotional regulation. These therapies work by promoting a state of relaxation and reducing the arousal of the sympathetic nervous system, thereby helping patients manage intrusive thoughts and emotional distress.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy are also widely used; they help patients reframe negative thought patterns and gradually confront traumatic memories in a controlled environment. These mechanisms are vital for PTSD patients as they address the core symptoms of hyperarousal, intrusive memories, and emotional dysregulation, ultimately improving their quality of life.
Non-trauma-focused meditation versus exposure therapy in veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder: a randomised controlled trial.The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training in Improving the Quality of Life of the War Victims with Post Traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Non-trauma-focused meditation versus exposure therapy in veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder: a randomised controlled trial.The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training in Improving the Quality of Life of the War Victims with Post Traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Find a Location
Who is running the clinical trial?
Mount Sinai Hospital, New YorkOTHER
34 Previous Clinical Trials
891,238 Total Patients Enrolled
David Lynch FoundationOTHER
3 Previous Clinical Trials
580 Total Patients Enrolled
Stanford UniversityOTHER
2,484 Previous Clinical Trials
17,515,761 Total Patients Enrolled
University of Southern CaliforniaOTHER
946 Previous Clinical Trials
1,604,478 Total Patients Enrolled
Brown UniversityOTHER
466 Previous Clinical Trials
698,627 Total Patients Enrolled
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiOTHER
909 Previous Clinical Trials
541,800 Total Patients Enrolled
New York State Psychiatric InstituteOTHER
478 Previous Clinical Trials
153,613 Total Patients Enrolled
Northwell HealthOTHER
474 Previous Clinical Trials
468,774 Total Patients Enrolled
University of California, San DiegoOTHER
1,187 Previous Clinical Trials
1,576,487 Total Patients Enrolled
VA Palo Alto Health Care SystemFED
93 Previous Clinical Trials
57,642 Total Patients Enrolled
Media Library
Eligibility Criteria:
This trial includes the following eligibility criteria:- I haven't changed or started any mental health medications in the last 3 months.I have never been diagnosed with a psychotic disorder or schizophrenia.I plan to change or start new mental health medication during the study.I have been diagnosed with PTSD and have had symptoms for at least 3 months.I have a serious illness that is not under control.I do not have any illnesses like severe brain issues or uncontrolled thyroid disease that could affect my diagnosis.I am not pregnant, breastfeeding, nor planning to become pregnant during the study.I am between 18 and 80 years old.I have previously or am currently practicing Transcendental Meditation, Present Centered Therapy, or another form of psychotherapy.I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.I plan to start or change my psychotherapy or meditation therapy during the study.
Research Study Groups:
This trial has the following groups:- Group 1: Present Centered Therapy (PCT):
- Group 2: Transcendental Meditation (TM):
Awards:
This trial has 1 awards, including:- No Placebo-Only Group - All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.
Timeline:
This trial has the following timeline:- Screening: It may take up to 3 Weeks to process to see if you qualify in this trial.
- Treatment: The duration you will receive the treatment varies.
- Follow Ups: You may be asked to continue sharing information regarding the trial for 6 Months after you stop receiving the treatment.