Breathwork for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Adam Hanley, Psychologist

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Florida State University

Disqualifiers: Asthma, Hypertension, Neurological disease, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

Duration: 1 day

30 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests whether breathwork can reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans. Participants will attend a two-hour breathwork session led by a certified facilitator, followed by a session with a psychologist. Two optional virtual breathwork sessions will be available in the following weeks. This trial suits veterans diagnosed with PTSD who have not tried breathwork before and can understand English instructions. As an unphased trial, it offers veterans a unique opportunity to explore an innovative approach to managing PTSD symptoms.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you cannot start any new treatments during the study.

What prior data suggests that this breathwork technique is safe for treating post-traumatic stress disorder?

Research has shown that breathwork is generally safe for individuals dealing with stress and mental health issues. Studies suggest that breathwork can reduce stress and improve mental health, though further research is needed to fully understand its effects. Breathwork resembles other mindfulness techniques, which are also considered safe and beneficial for stress-related conditions.

In treating PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), breathwork has shown promise in improving symptoms without causing significant side effects. Participants in breathwork sessions typically handle it well and experience few, if any, negative effects.

Overall, breathwork appears to be a safe option for those seeking new ways to manage PTSD symptoms, with existing studies supporting its potential benefits and minimal risks. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about breathwork for treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) because it offers a unique, non-pharmacological approach compared to traditional treatments like psychotherapy and medications. While most treatments focus on altering brain chemistry or behavior through drugs or talk therapy, breathwork uses specific breathing techniques to help regulate the body's stress response system. This method could provide a more accessible and immediate tool for managing PTSD symptoms without the side effects often associated with medications. Additionally, breathwork can empower individuals to actively participate in their healing process, potentially leading to quicker and more sustainable improvements.

What evidence suggests that breathwork might be an effective treatment for PTSD?

Research has shown that breathwork can help reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). One study found that people who practiced breathing-based meditation experienced a noticeable decrease in their PTSD symptoms compared to those who didn't try breathwork. Other studies suggest that deep breathing exercises can help the body relax, improving stress and mental health. Breathwork supports the calming part of the nervous system, which helps reduce stress and anxiety. While more research is needed, these findings provide promising evidence that breathwork can be a useful tool for managing PTSD symptoms. Participants in this trial will all be assigned to the breathwork treatment arm to further evaluate its effectiveness. ^{2 4 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adult veterans experiencing posttraumatic stress symptoms. Participants must be able to attend one in-person breathwork session and an integration session with a psychologist, with the option of two virtual follow-ups.

Inclusion Criteria

Understanding English instructions fluently

Being able not to commit to another (new) treatment during the course of the study

I am 18 years old or older.

Exclusion Criteria

I have asthma or another breathing problem.

Currently pregnant

Having been exposed to breathwork any time in the past

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2 weeks

Treatment

Participants complete a single, in-person breathwork session (2 hours) led by a certified breathwork facilitator and engage in an integration session (30 minutes) with a licensed psychologist.

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are invited to engage in two optional virtual follow-up breathwork sessions (40 minutes each) during weeks 2 and 3 following the in-person breathwork session.

2 weeks

2 visits (virtual)

Follow-up Monitoring

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, with assessments at 4-week, 8-week, and 13-week follow-ups.

15 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Breathwork

Trial Overview The study tests the effect of a single in-person breathwork training led by a certified facilitator on PTSD symptoms, followed by an integration talk and optional virtual sessions over three weeks.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Active Treatment Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

All participants will be assigned to breathwork.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Florida State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

234

Recruited

41,100+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4309518/

Breathing-Based Meditation Decreases Posttraumatic ... The active group showed reductions in PTSD scores, d = 1.16, 95% CI [0.20, 2.04], anxiety symptoms, and respiration rate, but the control group did not.

2. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41598-022-27247-y

Effect of breathwork on stress and mental health: A meta- ... Overall, results showed that breathwork may be effective for improving stress and mental health. However, we urge caution and advocate for nuanced research ...

3. arch.astate.edu arch.astate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1077&context=dnp-projects

Determining the Effectiveness of Deep Breathing Exercises in ... The project question is, “In veterans with PTSD, how does education on deep breathing compared to no education impact stress and PTSD symptoms ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10741869/

Breathing Practices for Stress and Anxiety Reduction Effective breathing interventions support greater parasympathetic tone, which can counterbalance the high sympathetic activity intrinsic to stress and anxiety.

5. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01462045

Efficacy Study of Mindfulness-Based Exercise for ... This study will explore the relationship between changes in plasma cortisol and symptom reduction resulting from individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5747539/

Mindfulness-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder Mindfulness-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have emerged as promising adjunctive or alternative intervention approaches.

7. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165178124003834

Efficacy of yoga for posttraumatic stress disorder Results suggest yoga is likely a safe and effective complementary intervention for reducing PTSD and depressive symptoms in individuals with PTSD.

8. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07129278

Breathwork Intervention for Posttraumatic Stress The goal of this single-site, single-arm pilot study is to examine the impact of breathwork training for posttraumatic stress symptoms in an ...