Compassion Meditation for PTSD

Not currently recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Haley Suit, MA

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Veterans Medical Research Foundation

Disqualifiers: Serious suicidality, Untreated substance use, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 10

Duration: 10 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial examines whether compassion meditation can aid veterans with PTSD, a mental health condition following trauma. It tests two treatments: compassion meditation, which develops compassion and connection, and applied relaxation, which teaches various relaxation techniques. The trial aims to determine if these approaches can be effectively delivered nationwide and to identify the best way to measure their impact. Veterans with PTSD-related issues who are not participating in other PTSD treatments or meditation programs might be suitable for this trial. As an unphased trial, it offers veterans a unique opportunity to explore innovative treatments and contribute to groundbreaking research.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you cannot be enrolled in other PTSD treatments or meditation-based practices while participating.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research shows that compassion meditation (CM) is generally safe for most people, including those with PTSD. Studies have found that CM can increase positive feelings and improve social connections without causing major side effects. Participants reported benefits like fewer PTSD symptoms, indicating it is well-tolerated.

Applied relaxation, which uses various relaxation techniques, has a long history of being safe and widely accepted. These methods often help lower stress and anxiety.

Both treatments in this trial—compassion meditation and applied relaxation—have shown positive results in other studies, with few reports of negative effects. This suggests they are safe options to consider. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about compassion meditation for PTSD because it introduces a unique way to address the condition by fostering compassion through contemplating our shared human experience. Unlike traditional treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy or medication, which often focus on symptom reduction, compassion meditation aims to cultivate a deep sense of empathy and connection with others. This approach could potentially transform how individuals with PTSD relate to their experiences, offering a novel path to healing that emphasizes emotional growth and resilience.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for PTSD?

Research has shown that compassion meditation (CM), one of the treatments in this trial, might help reduce PTSD symptoms. One study found that compassion and loving-kindness meditation can lessen symptoms in people with PTSD. Another review found that meditation techniques, including CM, show promise for managing PTSD. These practices focus on building compassion and a sense of connection, which can improve mental well-being. While more research is needed, early findings suggest CM could be a helpful tool for PTSD recovery. Participants in this trial may receive either CM or applied relaxation, another treatment option under study. ^{1 3 4 5 6}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for Veterans who can consent and have PTSD or similar symptoms causing distress. They must not be in another PTSD treatment or meditation practice, have untreated serious mental illness, cognitive issues that affect participation, untreated substance problems, or severe suicidal/homicidal thoughts.

Inclusion Criteria

Able/willing to consent

Veteran status

I am experiencing PTSD or symptoms of PTSD that affect my daily life.

Exclusion Criteria

My thinking or memory problems do not interfere with daily activities.

I am currently participating in another PTSD treatment or meditation practice.

I do not have an untreated or unstable serious mental illness.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive Compassion Meditation or Applied Relaxation interventions over 10 weeks

10 weeks

10 sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Applied relaxation
• Compassion meditation

Trial Overview The study tests Compassion Meditation (CM) against Applied Relaxation to see if CM helps Veterans with PTSD recover better. It's a test run to see if the methods work well across different locations and how best to measure their effects.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Compassion meditation Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Compassion meditation is a contemplative meditation practice that fosters compassion through contemplation of common humanity.

Group II: Applied relaxation Active Control 1 Intervention

Veteran.calm is an applied relaxation program that exposes participants to a variety of relaxation strategies and their application.

Applied relaxation is already approved in United States for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Compassion Meditation for:

• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Depression

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Veterans Medical Research Foundation

Lead Sponsor

Trials

46

Recruited

5,100+

Veterans Health Research Institute of CNY

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

140+

Veterans Health Research Institute of Central New York, Inc.

Collaborator

Institute for Medical Research, Inc.

Industry Sponsor

Trials

2

Recruited

260+

Emory University

Collaborator

Trials

1,735

Recruited

2,605,000+

Bedford Research Corporation, Inc.

Collaborator

Trials

4

Recruited

1,600+

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)

Collaborator

Trials

886

Recruited

677,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A short-term online version of Compassionate Mind Training (CMT) significantly increased compassion levels in both Sri Lankan and UK participants, demonstrating its effectiveness across cultures.

The study, which included 211 participants in total, showed that the benefits of CMT in reducing distress and enhancing well-being were maintained even two weeks after the intervention.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exploring the Cross-cultural Applicability of a Brief Compassionate Mind Training: a Study Comparing Sri Lankan and UK People. Kariyawasam, L., Ononaiye, M., Irons, C., et al.[2023]

A 12-week loving-kindness meditation program for veterans with PTSD showed significant improvements, with a large effect size in reducing PTSD symptoms (d = -0.89) and a medium effect size in reducing depression (d = -0.49) at the 3-month follow-up.

The study found that increased self-compassion played a key role in mediating the reductions in PTSD and depression symptoms, suggesting that loving-kindness meditation is a safe and effective intervention for enhancing mental health in veterans.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Loving-kindness meditation for posttraumatic stress disorder: a pilot study. Kearney, DJ., Malte, CA., McManus, C., et al.[2022]

Cognitively Based Compassion Training (CBCT®) significantly increased self-compassion and reduced perceived stress among participants, with a notable improvement in emotional well-being measured over three time points in a study involving 65 individuals.

The training not only enhanced individual emotional health but also fostered greater community engagement, suggesting that CBCT® can be an effective intervention for promoting social well-being in vulnerable populations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Cognitively Based Compassion Training in the outskirts: A mixed study. Kolchraiber, FC., Tanaka, LH., Negi, LT., et al.[2023]

A new compassion meditation protocol, Cognitively Based Compassion Training (CBCT-Vet), was developed and evaluated with 36 Veterans suffering from PTSD over 8-10 sessions, showing it was well-received and acceptable to participants.

Participation in the CBCT-Vet program was associated with significant reductions in PTSD and depression symptoms, suggesting potential benefits for Veterans, although further research is needed to establish causality.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Compassion Meditation for Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): a Nonrandomized Study. Lang, AJ., Casmar, P., Hurst, S., et al.[2022]

This pilot trial is investigating the acceptability and preliminary efficacy of Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT) for improving health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in cancer survivors and their caregivers, with 40 dyads participating in an 8-week intervention.

CBCT aims to enhance self-compassion and empathy, potentially addressing depressive symptoms and other HRQOL domains, while also measuring biomarkers of inflammation and cortisol levels to assess overall wellness and healthcare utilization.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cognitively-Based Compassion Training versus cancer health education to improve health-related quality of life in survivors of solid tumor cancers and their informal caregivers: study protocol for a randomized controlled pilot trial. Pace, TWW., Dodds, SE., Sikorskii, A., et al.[2020]

A pilot study involving 28 veterans showed that compassion meditation (CM) significantly reduced PTSD symptoms more than a psychoeducation and relaxation program (Veteran.calm), with a substantial effect size (d = -0.85).

Both CM and Veteran.calm had similar levels of treatment credibility, attendance, and participant satisfaction, indicating that CM is a feasible and promising intervention for veterans with PTSD.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Compassion Meditation for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Veterans: A Randomized Proof of Concept Study. Lang, AJ., Malaktaris, AL., Casmar, P., et al.[2020]

An abbreviated Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program consisting of 6 weekly 75-minute sessions can effectively be implemented during staff lunch breaks, making it a practical training option for healthcare providers and clinic staff.

This adapted MBSR program is not only feasible but also well-accepted, suggesting it could enhance the well-being of healthcare workers in a workplace setting.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Health Care Staff: Expanding Holistic Nursing Paradigms to the Whole System. Hazlett-Stevens, H.[2021]

Meditation-based approaches, including mindfulness, mantra, and compassion meditation, are increasingly sought after for managing PTSD, despite limited rigorous research on their effectiveness.

While empirical evidence for the efficacy of meditation in treating PTSD is scarce, the existing studies suggest potential benefits, indicating that further evaluation of these treatments is necessary.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The theoretical and empirical basis for meditation as an intervention for PTSD. Lang, AJ., Strauss, JL., Bomyea, J., et al.[2021]

A study involving 177 health professionals showed that brief online training in mind-body practices significantly improved their gratitude, well-being, self-compassion, and confidence in providing compassionate care, with all measures showing statistically significant changes (P < .001).

The training modules focused on Gratitude, Positive Word, and Loving-kindness/Compassion meditation, demonstrating that such practices are feasible and beneficial for enhancing the emotional well-being of diverse healthcare practitioners.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Online Training in Specific Meditation Practices Improves Gratitude, Well-Being, Self-Compassion, and Confidence in Providing Compassionate Care Among Health Professionals. Rao, N., Kemper, KJ.[2022]

Citations

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

Mindfulness-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder A scoping review of the literature on PTSD treatment studies, including approaches such as mindfulness-based stress reduction, mindfulness-based cognitive ...

2. jamanetwork.com jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2778572

Loving-Kindness Meditation vs Cognitive Processing ... In this randomized clinical trial, 184 veterans with PTSD were assigned to group loving-kindness meditation or group cognitive processing therapy.

3. psycnet.apa.org psycnet.apa.org/record/2024-10968-001

Effects of loving-kindness and compassion meditations on self ... LKCM interventions could effectively cultivate self-compassion among adults across healthy and clinical samples, but more studies are required.

4. ptsd.va.gov ptsd.va.gov/publications/rq_docs/V28N2.pdf

Meditation-based Approaches in the Treatment of PTSD These reviews suggest meditation is promising as either an intervention or preventative measure for management of stress/PTSD and point to a future research ...

5. onlinelibrary.wiley.com onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jts.22397

Compassion Meditation for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ... Compassion meditation (CM) and loving-kindness meditation appear to offer benefits to individuals with PTSD, including symptom reduction.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7223870/

Compassion Meditation for Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress ... Data from clinical and non-clinical samples suggest that compassion meditation (CM) has a positive impact on positive emotion and social ...