Panacea Index Logo

Command Palette

Search for a command to run...

Relaxation Techniques for Trauma.

Journal of evidence-informed social work
January 1, 2016
Diane Scotland-Coogan et al. (2 authors)
Journal ArticleReviewHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to explore whether mindfulness and other relaxation techniques could complement traditional therapies in reducing physiological symptoms of PTSD.

Results Summary

The study suggests that mindfulness, deep breathing, yoga, and meditation may help lessen physiological manifestations of PTSD, particularly for individuals averse to or unsuccessful with traditional therapies. Future research is needed to provide empirical evidence supporting these interventions.

Population

Individuals with PTSD experiencing physiological symptoms such as hyperarousal, irritability, and sleep disturbances.

Effective Dosage

Not specified

Duration

Not specified

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (5)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
mindfulness
decrease
physiological manifestations of prolonged stress
-
-
help address
#1
deep breathing
decrease
physiological manifestations of prolonged stress
-
-
help address
#2
yoga
decrease
physiological manifestations of prolonged stress
-
-
help address
#3
meditation
decrease
physiological manifestations of prolonged stress
-
-
help address
#4
these alternative interventions
decrease
physiological manifestations of PTSD
those who are averse to the traditional evidence-based practices or for those who have tried traditional therapies without success
-
assist in lessening
#5
Abstract

Physiological symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) manifest as increased arousal and reactivity seen as anger outburst, irritability, reckless behavior with no concern for consequences, hypervigilance, sleep disturbance, and problems with focus (American Psychiatric Association, 2013 ). In seeking the most beneficial treatment for PTSD, consideration must be given to the anxiety response. Relaxation techniques are shown to help address the physiological manifestations of prolonged stress. The techniques addressed by the authors in this article include mindfulness, deep breathing, yoga, and meditation. By utilizing these techniques traditional therapies can be complemented. In addition, those who are averse to the traditional evidence-based practices or for those who have tried traditional therapies without success; these alternative interventions may assist in lessening physiological manifestations of PTSD. Future research studies assessing the benefits of these treatment modalities are warranted to provide empirical evidence to support the efficacy of these treatments.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
Breathing ExercisesHumansMeditationMind-Body TherapiesMindfulnessRelaxation TherapyStress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy70/10
Quality60/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations7
Citations/Year0.8
Relative Citation Ratio0.49
NIH Percentile26.4%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.50
Weight Score1.46
Normalized Score0.60
Related Supplements