What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) include psychotherapy (such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and EMDR), medications (like SSRIs and SNRIs), and complementary therapies (such as mindfulness and relaxation techniques). Side effects of these treatments can vary: psychotherapy may cause emotional distress during sessions, medications can lead to nausea, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction, while complementary therapies generally have minimal side effects but may include temporary discomfort or emotional release. Warm water immersion, similar to other relaxation techniques, is generally well-tolerated but may cause mild side effects like headache or dizziness.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

The FDA has approved several treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), primarily focusing on medications and psychotherapies. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline and paroxetine are commonly prescribed and have shown efficacy in reducing PTSD symptoms. Additionally, prazosin, an alpha-adrenergic receptor blocker, is used off-label to manage PTSD-related nightmares and sleep disturbances. Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is also a widely accepted non-pharmacological treatment. While warm water immersion therapy is being studied for its potential benefits, it is not currently an FDA-approved treatment for PTSD.

What other types of research exist?

Promising novel alternatives to warm water immersion for PTSD treatment include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), guided imagery, yoga, acupuncture, and mindfulness-based practices. These therapies focus on mental and physical well-being and have shown potential benefits in managing symptoms of PTSD.

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Water Immersion for PTSD

N/A

Waitlist Available

Led By Rebecca Benfield, PhD

Research Sponsored by University of Nevada, Las Vegas

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 immediately following immersion

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial explores the effects of warm water immersion on student Veterans with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and pain. The warm water is thought to help by calming the body and mind, making participants feel more relaxed and less stressed.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for student veterans enrolled at UNLV who can get in and out of a pool without help, have served in the military, and currently have PTSD symptoms. It's not for those with traumatic brain injury, fear of water, heart/lung disease, diabetes, severe mental illness (except depression), extreme obesity, open wounds or missing lower limbs.

What is being tested?

The study tests the effects of warm water immersion on PTSD symptoms among these students. Participants will be immersed to chest level to assess changes in their physical and psychological state including any impacts on associated depression, anxiety and pain.

What are the potential side effects?

While specific side effects are not listed for warm water immersion therapy itself; potential risks may include discomfort due to prolonged exposure to warmth or exacerbation of certain pre-existing conditions.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ pre immersion baseline (dry) immersion at 15 minutes (wet) and 45 minutes (wet)

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~pre immersion baseline (dry) immersion at 15 minutes (wet) and 45 minutes (wet)

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and pre immersion baseline (dry) immersion at 15 minutes (wet) and 45 minutes (wet) for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

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

Primary study objectives

Multidimensional Mood State Questionnaire (MDMQ) Change is being assessed

Salivary Alpha-Amylase change is being assessed

Semi-structured interview

+2 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: ImmersionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

This group will receive the immersion intervention

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 psychological therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy, which work by changing thought patterns and reducing avoidance behaviors through controlled exposure to trauma-related stimuli. Pharmacological treatments, such as SSRIs, target neurotransmitter systems to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. The warm water immersion study suggests that thermal and hydrostatic effects can promote relaxation and reduce stress, offering a non-invasive, soothing treatment option that may complement traditional therapies. This is important for PTSD patients as it provides additional avenues for symptom relief and overall well-being.

Theoretical and empirical issues in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder in Vietnam veterans.Differentiation of pain ratings in combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder.