Gene Expression Correlates of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Symptom Change After EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques)
| Status: | Completed |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Psychiatric |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Psychiatry / Psychology |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 18 - 80 |
| Updated: | 4/27/2018 |
| Start Date: | November 2010 |
| End Date: | November 2017 |
Gene Expression Correlates of PTSD Symptom Change After EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques): A Randomized Controlled Trial
The purpose of the study is to measure the change in psychological symptoms and gene
expression in war veterans after a series of 10 EFT coaching sessions. Outcome studies have
shown statistically significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and PTSD in veterans after
EFT, and this study extends earlier research using biological sampling. EFT is a form of
Energy Psychology (EP) that is sometimes referred to as "emotional acupuncture." It involves
self-stimulation of 14 acupuncture points at the end of meridians with the fingertips, while
recalling an emotional event such as a combat trauma. It is typically effective in 6 to 15
coaching sessions, making it an efficient clinical technique for reducing affect.
expression in war veterans after a series of 10 EFT coaching sessions. Outcome studies have
shown statistically significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and PTSD in veterans after
EFT, and this study extends earlier research using biological sampling. EFT is a form of
Energy Psychology (EP) that is sometimes referred to as "emotional acupuncture." It involves
self-stimulation of 14 acupuncture points at the end of meridians with the fingertips, while
recalling an emotional event such as a combat trauma. It is typically effective in 6 to 15
coaching sessions, making it an efficient clinical technique for reducing affect.
There is peer-reviewed published experimental evidence showing that (a) acupuncture reduces
the fear response in the brain, especially the limbic system, and most particularly the
amygdala; that (b) tapping or rubbing acupuncture points (acupressure) can be as effective as
needling them; that (c) EFTs use of such acupressure is efficacious in reducing anxiety, PTSD
and other mood disorders; that (d) EFT reliably reduces emotional intensity associated with
traumatic memories, is safe and low-risk; that (e) all EP studies that included a long-term
follow-up show that patient gains are maintained over time; that (f) the psychological
questionnaires used in this study are validated and safe; and that for all these reasons (g)
EP is a treatment of choice among therapists when dealing with the traumatic memories of
clients. This study extends these findings by noting changes in gene expression associated
with the remission of PTSD symptoms.
the fear response in the brain, especially the limbic system, and most particularly the
amygdala; that (b) tapping or rubbing acupuncture points (acupressure) can be as effective as
needling them; that (c) EFTs use of such acupressure is efficacious in reducing anxiety, PTSD
and other mood disorders; that (d) EFT reliably reduces emotional intensity associated with
traumatic memories, is safe and low-risk; that (e) all EP studies that included a long-term
follow-up show that patient gains are maintained over time; that (f) the psychological
questionnaires used in this study are validated and safe; and that for all these reasons (g)
EP is a treatment of choice among therapists when dealing with the traumatic memories of
clients. This study extends these findings by noting changes in gene expression associated
with the remission of PTSD symptoms.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Military Service
- The ability to follow instructions, complete written forms, understand English, and
provide informed consent. Subjects are required to be literate and understand English.
- Remaining under the care of a primary care provider such as a VA hospital throughout
the entire period of the study
- Between 18 and 80 years old. No children will be research subjects in this study.
Exclusion Criteria:
- A current or past physical or psychiatric disorder that would preclude their being
able to respond to the psychosocial measures adequately, or to give blood safely (i.e.
cognitive dysfunction, psychosis, or any blood or bleeding disorder)
- Regularly work a night or graveyard shift (to avoid effects of alterations in
circadian rhythm)
- Inability to come into the San Francisco laboratory for an afternoon for testing
- Immunomodulatory disorders (e.g. AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis,
lupus) or cancer history
- Aggressive chronic periodontitis
- Antibiotics within the last 3 months prior to the recruitment date
- A score of more than 4 on questions 34 and 35 of the SA-45:
Having urges to beat, injure, or harm someone Having urges to break or smash things
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