Using art therapy to improve emotional well-being in military personnel with PTSD
Art Therapy and Emotional Well Being in Military Populations With Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms
NA · Walter Reed National Military Medical Center · NCT05414708
This study tests whether art therapy can help military personnel with PTSD feel better emotionally and improve their mental health.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 64 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (fed) |
| Locations | 2 sites (Bethesda, Maryland and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05414708 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research explores the effects of art therapy on emotional expression and regulation in military service members experiencing posttraumatic stress symptoms. Participants will attend ten sessions over twelve weeks, including initial and final assessments with MRI scans and self-questionnaires. The middle sessions will consist of one-hour art therapy sessions led by a certified art therapist. The study aims to understand the neurological impacts of art therapy on emotional health in this population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include active duty service members or veterans separated within the last five years who exhibit significant posttraumatic stress symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of severe brain injury, psychotic disorders, or those unable to undergo MRI scans may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a novel therapeutic approach to improve emotional well-being and reduce PTSD symptoms in military personnel.
How similar studies have performed: While art therapy is widely used in military settings, this specific approach to studying its neurological effects is relatively novel and has limited prior research backing.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * DEERS Eligible * Active Duty or Veteran separated within the past 10 years * Significant posttraumatic stress symptoms (score of \>/=31 on the PCL-5) Exclusion Criteria: * History of moderate, severe, or penetrating brain injury * History of psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, or active suicidal or homicidal ideation * History of multiple sclerosis, Huntington's disease, or Alzheimer's disease * History of stroke or myocardial infarction * History of brain tumor * History of seizures * Contradictions for MRI (for example, participants will be excluded for pregnancy, metal implants or suspected shrapnel, aneurysm/intracranial clips, cardiac pacemakers or implanted programmable devices or pumps) * Unable to provide informed consent * History of previous exposure to art therapy * Active substance use disorder
Where this trial is running
Bethesda, Maryland and 1 other locations
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence — Bethesda, Maryland, United States (RECRUITING)
- ISC at Fort Belvoir — Fort Belvoir, Virginia, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Chandler Rhodes, PhD — WRNMMC
- Study coordinator: Chandler Rhodes, Ph.D.
- Email: chandler.s.rhodes.civ@health.mil
- Phone: 301-400-3638
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.
Conditions: PTSD, Military Activity, Post-Traumatic Headache, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Delayed Onset, Sleep Disturbance, Nightmare, Irritable Mood