Art Therapy and Emotional Well Being in Military Populations With Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms

Launched by WALTER REED NATIONAL MILITARY MEDICAL CENTER · Jun 7, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how art therapy can help military service members deal with posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSD). PTSD can cause a range of emotional issues, and this research aims to understand how art therapy might improve emotional expression and regulation. Participants will attend ten sessions over twelve weeks, which include an initial interview, self-assessment questionnaires, and MRI scans to observe brain activity. The main part of the study will involve one-hour art therapy sessions led by a certified art therapist.

To be eligible for the study, participants must be active duty or veterans who have been separated within the last five years and have significant PTSD symptoms. They cannot have certain medical conditions, such as severe brain injuries or active mental health disorders, and must be able to give informed consent. This trial represents an opportunity for service members to explore how engaging in art can potentially help with their emotional well-being amidst the challenges they face.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • DEERS Eligible
• • Active Duty or Veteran separated within the past 5 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