Tag Archives: PTSD Awareness Month

Yoga May Offer Hope for PTSD in Women

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In honor of PTSD Awareness Day, today’s post looks at research on the possible benefits of yoga on women with PTSD. Researchers from Boston designed a pilot study which involved 12 sessions of yoga in a group of women with PTSD, ages 18-65 years.

38 women were randomized to either a yoga intervention group, or a control group. Women in the yoga group had 12 sessions of yoga of 75 minutes each, with other elements such as mindfulness included. Subjects were assessed at the time of enrollment, after completion of the intervention, and at a one month follow-up. Questionnaires were used to assess the subject’s alcohol and substance abuse risk.

Researchers found a trend towards decreased alcohol and drug use in the yoga group, compared to the control group. Women in the yoga group also reported substantially approved symptom management. The research group theorized that the improved management exhibited by the yoga group may in turn lead to less alcohol and substance abuse.

As this was a small pilot study it was not large enough to find statistical differences between the two different groups. However it is important research as it looks at a understudied group, PTSD in women. The yoga intervention would seem to have few significant side effects. A larger study seems warranted based on this promising pilot study.

(Source- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Volume 20, Number 10, 2014)

This blog is a review of medical and scientific literature, and should only be used for informational purposes. It does not constitute medical or health advice, nor does it create a physician-patient relationship with anyone. Discuss any health concerns with your personal physician.

 

Acupuncture May Offer Help In PTSD

PTSD Awareness

 

Out of respect to National PTSD Awareness Day today’s post will examine a possible role for acupuncture in treating PTSD.

A group of researchers in Korea and the U.S. performed a systematic review of the published studies regarding acupuncture for PTSD. After eliminating several studies whose design did not meet criteria, researchers looked at four randomized controlled trials and one uncontrolled clinical trial. Study participants were from the U.S. and China.

After studying these particular clinical trials the researchers concluded that the evidence in support of acupuncture to treat PTSD was encouraging. They also felt that additional well designed studies in this area would be helpful.

PTSD can be a challenging condition to treat. It would great if new and novel treatments were available. Perhaps in the future some well designed clinical trials will provide a definitive answer as to acupuncture’s effectiveness to treat PTSD.

(Source- Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Volume 2013, Article ID 615857)

This blog is a review of medical and scientific literature, and should only be used for informational purposes. It does not constitute medical or health advice, nor does it create a physician-patient relationship with anyone. Discuss any health concerns with your personal physician.