Compassion meditation for veterans with PTSD
Multisite Feasibility of Compassion Meditation for Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
This study is testing whether compassion meditation can help veterans with PTSD feel better and cope with their symptoms.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 144 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Veterans Medical Research Foundation Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Bedford, Massachusetts and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT04793698 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project explores the feasibility of implementing compassion meditation (CM) as a treatment for veterans suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study aims to assess the delivery of CM and a control intervention across diverse veteran populations in multiple locations. By optimizing outcome measurement methods, the researchers hope to lay the groundwork for a larger efficacy trial of CM for PTSD. Previous phases of research have shown promise in using CM to enhance recovery and coping among veterans.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are veterans who have a primary complaint of PTSD or subsyndromal PTSD with associated distress and impairment.
Not a fit: Patients with serious suicidality, untreated substance use issues, or unstable serious mental illnesses may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide veterans with a novel and effective method to manage and reduce PTSD symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that compassion meditation can be beneficial for PTSD, but this specific multi-site approach is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Veteran status * Able/willing to consent * Primary complaint of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or subsyndromal PTSD with accompanying distress and impairment Exclusion Criteria: * Serious suicidality or homicidality * Known, untreated substance use or dependence problem * Untreated/unstable serious mental illness * Cognitive impairment that would interfere with study activities * Concurrent enrollment in other treatment for PTSD or other meditation-based practice
Where this trial is running
Bedford, Massachusetts and 2 other locations
- VA Bedford Healthcare System — Bedford, Massachusetts, United States (Terminated)
- VA Finger Lakes HCS — Canandaigua, New York, United States (Recruiting)
- Durham VA Health Care System — Durham, North Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ariel J Lang, PhD, MPH
- Email: ariel.lang@va.gov
- Phone: 858-552-8585
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.