Relaxation Techniques for Trauma.
Diane Scotland-Coogan, Erin Davis
Journal of evidence-informed social work 2016 DOI: 10.1080/23761407.2016.1166845 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Posttraumatic stress disorder Physiological stress responses Relaxation techniques Treatment Yoga |
| Key findings | Argues that relaxation techniques—mindfulness, deep breathing, yoga, and meditation—may help address the physiological symptoms of PTSD and complement traditional therapies, particularly for those who are averse to or unsuccessful with standard treatments. Proposes that future research is needed to establish empirical evidence for these modalities. |
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.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical populations | 2003 | Review | |
| Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects | 2007 | Review | |
| Mindfulness Interventions | 2016 | Review | |
| Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation | 2017 | Review | |
| Mindfulness and acceptance: expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition | 2005 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cites 4
- Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences October 11, 2007
- The theoretical and empirical basis for meditation as an intervention for PTSD. Behavior modification November 1, 2012
- What are the benefits of mindfulness? A practice review of psychotherapy-related research. Psychotherapy June 2011
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging of hippocampal activation during silent mantra meditation. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine December 1, 2010