Floating Therapy for PTSD
(FLOAT Trial)
Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)
Age: 18 - 65
Sex: Any
Travel: May Be Covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Academic
Recruiting
Sponsor: Medical College of Wisconsin
Must not be taking: Psychoactive drugs, Laxatives
Disqualifiers: Neurological conditions, Schizophrenia, Communicable disease, others
No Placebo Group
Approved in 3 Jurisdictions
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?This project is being done to explore the effects floating has on individuals who have a history of trauma with stress related symptoms.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot use psychoactive drugs or laxatives within a week before the float, and you should avoid recreational drugs, certain antihistamines, and alcohol the day of the float.
How is Floating Therapy for PTSD different from other treatments?
Floating Therapy for PTSD is unique because it involves a sensory deprivation experience where patients float in a tank filled with saltwater, reducing external stimuli and promoting deep relaxation, unlike traditional therapies that often involve talk therapy or exposure to trauma-related cues.
12345Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adults aged 18-60 with PTSD confirmed by the PCL-5. It's not for those with fresh tattoos, skin conditions, history of severe neurological issues, psychotic disorders, or who have floated before. Participants must be English-speaking and agree to a Pre-Float Checklist and Liability Waiver.Inclusion Criteria
Has posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as confirmed by the PCL-5
I am between 18 and 60 years old.
Exclusion Criteria
I have skin conditions or open wounds that saltwater could irritate.
Fresh tattoos that would inhibit ability to float (consult with tattoo artist)
I am currently having thoughts about harming myself.
+14 more
Trial Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
2-4 weeks
Treatment
Participants have 3 Floatation sessions that last up to 90 minutes each, spaced about a week apart
3 weeks
3 visits (in-person)
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in PTSD symptom severity and other psychological and physiological measures
1 week
Participant Groups
The study tests floatation-based reduced environmental stimulation therapy on individuals with trauma-related stress symptoms. The aim is to see how 'floating' affects their condition.
1Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: FloatingExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Participants have 3 Floatation sessions that last up to 90 minutes. Each spaced about a week apart.
Floatation-based REST is already approved in United States, Canada, European Union for the following indications:
🇺🇸 Approved in United States as Flotation-REST for:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
🇨🇦 Approved in Canada as Flotation-REST for:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
🇪🇺 Approved in European Union as Flotation-REST for:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
Find a Clinic Near You
Research Locations NearbySelect from list below to view details:
Medical College of WisconsinMilwaukee, WI
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Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Medical College of WisconsinLead Sponsor
References
Do Acute Benefits of Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Endure? [2019]The Psychotherapies for Chronic PTSD randomised trial found that three 14-week psychotherapies acutely benefitted patients with chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Previous research has reported sustained follow-up benefits for prolonged exposure (PE) and relaxation therapy (RT), but few comparable data exist for interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT). We describe 3-month follow-up for acute responders to all 3 treatments.
Activities for the treatment of combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder. [2013]The purposes of this article are to review some of the common causes and symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), particularly as it applies to combat-related trauma experienced by the Vietnam veteran, and to offer a variety of treatment activities. These activities may be graded for use with other types of combat-related trauma or other forms of PTSD. The activities are listed so that they may be used cumulatively. to result in a final ceremony that becomes a ritual for the resolution of ambivalent emotions and/or the expression and release of powerful negative feelings of guilt, rage, or hurt. The objective is for these activities to be included with other treatment approaches aimed at enabling the client to let go of past trauma and make a positive transition to healthful and productive living.
Efficacy of immersive PTSD treatments: A systematic review of virtual and augmented reality exposure therapy and a meta-analysis of virtual reality exposure therapy. [2021]Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) and augmented reality exposure therapy (ARET) are digitally assisted psychotherapies that potentially enhance posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment by increasing a patient's sense of presence during exposure therapy. This study aimed to systematically review current evidence regarding the efficacy of VRET and ARET as PTSD treatment.
Evaluation of an internet-based intervention for service members of the German armed forces with deployment-related posttraumatic stress symptoms. [2020]The present study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of a therapist-guided internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (iCBT) intervention for service members of the German Armed Forces with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The iCBT was adapted from Interapy, a trauma-focused evidence-based treatment based on prolonged exposure and cognitive restructuring. It lasted for 5 weeks and included 10 writing assignments (twice a week). The program included a reminder function if assignments were overdue, but no multimedia elements. Therapeutic written feedback was provided asynchronously within one working day.
Cognitive behavioral treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder: empirical foundation and new directions. [2018]Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is currently the most empirically supported intervention for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and includes both specific manualized treatments (e.g., cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure) and less standardized applications. As CBT for PTSD has become increasingly popular, more advanced questions have emerged regarding its use, including how existing treatments might be enhanced. In the current review, we aimed to discover recent trends in the CBT for PTSD literature by applying rigorous search criteria to peer-reviewed articles published from 2009 to 2012. Results of the 14 studies that were identified are discussed, and future directions for research are suggested.