Effectiveness of Acupuncture and Brief Telehealth Intervention for Individuals With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This open-trial pilot study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of acupuncture with brief therapy (ABT) for individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). METHOD: Participants included 27 individuals with PTSD diagnoses confirmed using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5. Before ABT, 22 participants completed eight acupuncture sessions and three telehealth sessions of a brief treatment program for PTSD (Brief Relaxation, Education, and Trauma Healing [BREATHE]). RESULTS: ABT significantly reduced PTSD symptoms, depression symptoms, anxiety, and improved trauma-related cognition. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture can play an important role in mental health recovery, and combining acupuncture with a brief, telehealth-based treatment (BREATHE) may assist recovery among individuals with PTSD. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx(xx), xx-xx.].