Psychotherapy for Chronic Stress
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether group therapy, a form of psychotherapy, can alter the gut microbiome in women experiencing chronic stress. Researchers aim to determine if stress impacts the gut and if six weeks of therapy can effect change. Participants will attend weekly group therapy sessions, answer questions about their stress, and submit stool samples to monitor changes. The trial seeks women not currently in therapy who have been feeling stressed for an extended period. As an unphased study, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research on the connection between mental health and gut health.
Do I need to stop taking my current medications to join the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to ask the trial organizers for more details.
What prior data suggests that this psychotherapy is safe?
Research has shown that psychotherapy is generally safe for people. It is a common treatment for many mental health issues and is usually well-tolerated. No reports of serious side effects have emerged in those who have undergone psychotherapy. This is reassuring for individuals considering participation in a trial involving psychotherapy. The trial examines how group therapy sessions might affect the gut microbiome in women dealing with chronic stress. While the research does not specifically address the safety of this trial, psychotherapy is a common treatment and typically does not cause harm.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Most treatments for chronic stress, like medication and lifestyle changes, focus on managing symptoms rather than addressing the root cause. Psychotherapy is unique because it directly targets the underlying psychological factors contributing to stress, aiming to create lasting change in how individuals cope with stressors. Researchers are excited about psychotherapy because it empowers patients to develop personal strategies for managing stress, potentially leading to long-term improvements without the side effects associated with medication. This approach is especially promising as it could provide a more holistic and sustainable solution to chronic stress.
What evidence suggests that psychotherapy is effective for chronic stress?
Research shows that therapy effectively reduces stress and improves quality of life. Studies on stress management have found that therapy positively affects cortisol levels, a hormone related to stress. This suggests therapy helps manage stress. Psychotherapy, the focus of this trial, has proven to create lasting improvements in symptoms and behaviors. While this trial specifically examines changes in gut bacteria, existing research supports therapy as a helpful treatment for stress, which might also lead to changes in gut health.16789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Ashley J Blount, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Nebraska
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for women aged 19 to 45 who experience chronic stress. They must be able to understand and read English. Participants will answer questionnaires, mail stool samples before and after therapy, and attend six weekly group therapy sessions.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants engage in a 1-hour group therapy session over the course of six weeks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in the gut microbiome and stress levels after therapy
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Psychotherapy
Trial Overview
The study is testing if psychotherapy can alter the gut microbiome in stressed women of childbearing age. It involves a six-week course of group therapy sessions with assessments of the gut microbiota before and after treatment.
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Nebraska
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Effectiveness of Psychosocial Interventions on Stress, Anxiety ...
Psychosocial interventions applied to parents have significant effects on reducing anxiety, depression, and stress and improving the quality of life.
Effectiveness of stress management interventions to ...
The grand meta-analysis found that stress management interventions led to a small-to-medium, and heterogeneous, positive effect on cortisol levels (g = 0.282, ...
Comprehensive Review of Chronic Stress Pathways and ...
Central to this review is an evaluation of 16 Behavioral Stress Reduction Programs (BSRPs) across over 200 studies, assessing their effectiveness in mitigating ...
Clinician Burnout and Effectiveness of Guideline ...
The proportion of patients who experienced clinically meaningful improvement in PTSD symptoms was 28.3% among therapists who reported burnout ...
Psychotherapy and Long-Term Outcomes
This means that the long-term effects of psychotherapy are such that the patient's symptoms, behavior, or quality of life remain relieved in the long run after ...
Psychological therapists' experiences of burnout
This systematic review aimed to explore the experiences and impact of burnout in psychological therapists, and the strategies they use to adapt to it.
Comprehensive Review of Chronic Stress Pathways and the ...
This review synthesizes current research on the neurological, immune, hormonal, and genetic pathways through which stress influences disease progression.
Trauma, Stress, and Mental Health Outcomes
Trauma and chronic stress represent critical and growing challenges in mental health across the lifespan, contributing to a wide spectrum of psychiatric ...
Research roundup: Burnout in mental health providers
This study explored constructs related to burnout, including professional quality of life, compassion satisfaction and secondary trauma.
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