Auricular Acupuncture on Emotional Distress in Service Members and Veterans With PTSD

Launched by UNITED STATES NAVAL MEDICAL CENTER, SAN DIEGO · Jun 5, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of a treatment called auricular acupuncture, which involves placing small, sterile needles in specific spots on the ears, combined with mindfulness therapy—activities like yoga and breathing exercises—on emotional distress in service members and veterans who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The goal is to see if these treatments can help reduce feelings of emotional suffering, improve sleep, and decrease issues like alcohol use and pain.

To participate in the study, individuals must be active duty service members or veterans who score high enough on certain questionnaires to show they are experiencing emotional distress. Those interested should not have received mindfulness therapy from a healthcare provider in the past month. Participants can expect to receive both acupuncture and mindfulness therapy during the study, and researchers will evaluate how well these treatments work and what benefits the participants feel. The study is not yet recruiting, but it aims to provide valuable insights into supporting the mental health of military personnel.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Active duty service member and veterans
• • A score of 14 or above on the abbreviated PCL 6-item
• • A score of 24 or above on the EDS
• • Agrees to participate in mindfulness therapy
• • Able to provide informed consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • - Has had mindfulness therapy received from a healthcare provider in the past month