Overview
This study will evaluate the efficacy of a therapeutic treatment, Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR), for PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder). Participants will be randomized to either the DBR treatment, or wait-list condition.
While enrollment for the first phase of the study has ended, a second phase has begun, which focuses on DBR treatment in military veterans.
Description
This study will evaluate the efficacy of Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) in reducing PTSD symptoms. DBR was designed by Dr. Frank Corrigan, a Scottish psychiatrist interested in the brain mechanisms underlying effective trauma psychotherapy. For this study, participants will be randomized to either the DBR treatment or wait-list study conditions. Trauma processing through DBR involves bringing up a traumatic memory and encourages the client to focus on tensions arising in the muscles of the shoulders, neck, head and face (i.e., those involved in orienting toward a threatening person/event). It is believed that this approach will allow the participant to process the traumatic memory in an emotionally manageable way, changing how it is represented/accessed in the brain's innate defensive system. Online Stream - Assessments will include clinical interviews (pre/post treatment, and follow-up) using Webex video conferencing, and fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) scans (pre/post treatment). In-Person Stream - Assessment will include clinical interviews (pre/post treatment and follow-up), and fMRI scans (pre/post treatment).
While enrollment for the first phase of the study has ended, a second phase has begun, which focuses on DBR treatment in 20 military veterans.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- military veteran
- English speaking
- age: 18-65
- meets diagnostic criteria for PTSD (as determined by study assessment)
- may benefit from short-term trauma therapy (as determined by study assessment)
Exclusion Criteria:
- not a military veteran
- Individuals with any implants, conditions, etc. that do not comply with 7-Tesla (7T) fMRI research safety standards (e.g., certain implants, pregnancy)
- history of significant head injury/lengthy loss of consciousness (e.g., a Glasgow Coma Scale Score \< 15 at the time of incident assessed retrospectively by participant)
- significant untreated medical illness
- history of neurological disorder
- history of any pervasive developmental disorder
- history of bipolar disorder
- history of psychotic disorder
- alcohol/substance abuse or dependence within the last 3 months
- extensive narcotic use
- current participation in counselling more extensive than supportive therapy (e.g., exposure therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy would be an exclusion)
- a degree of mental distress that is unlikely to benefit from a short-term therapy (for our participants' well-being, it will be necessary that we believe it possible to safely address the issues/triggers brought up in treatment within the 8 sessions).
