Recent studies supporting Mindfulness Therapy for PTSD

As pointed out in a previous post, Mindfulness Meditation and psilocybin work on the same part of the brain, the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC).  The PCC is considered by some to be the hub of the ego. Quieting the PCC may lead to a greater sense of connectedness, more of the feeling of oneness with all things which is a common goal of Yoga which means "to unite".

An Overview of the Research on Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Treating Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review
OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to collate and evaluate the existing research for the use of mindfulness-based approaches to treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Our primary objectives were to explore the effects of mindfulness-based approaches on PTSD symptoms and associated psychological distress, with secondary objectives to explore the attrition rate, adverse effects, resource implications, and long-term effects of such interventions.
METHOD: We systematically searched research databases, EMBASE, OVID MedLine, Psycinfo, CINAHL, and PILOTS, contacted relevant authors in the field, and conducted a hand search of relevant papers.
RESULTS: The search resulted in 12 studies that met eligibility criteria, many of which studies lacked methodological rigor. The majority of the studies indicated positive outcomes with improvements in PTSD symptoms, particularly in reducing avoidance.
CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary evidence for the use of mindfulness-based approaches to treat PTSD symptoms is encouraging, although further studies with a more robust research design are required.
Banks K, Newman E, Saleem J.
J Clin Psychol. 2015 Jul 20. doi: 10.1002/jclp.22200. [Epub ahead of print]
PMID: 26192755

Reductions in cortisol associated with primary care brief mindfulness program for veterans with PTSD.
Analyses revealed that significant changes in cortisol were associated with PCbMP treatment engagement and dosing (number of mindfulness program sessions completed). Veterans completing 4 mindfulness-based meditation sessions significantly reduced their cortisol awakening response (P≤0.05); and had significant changes in cortisol area under the curve increase compared with TAU participants (P≤0.05). Results indicate that PCbMP has a beneficial physiological impact on veterans with PTSD with a minimum of 4 weeks of practice.
Bergen-Cico D, Possemato K, Pigeon W.
Med Care. 2014 Dec;52(12 Suppl 5):S25-31. doi: 10.1097/MLR.0000000000000224.
PMID: 25397819
Cited by (Google Scholar)

Mindful attention increases and mediates psychological outcomes following mantram repetition practice in veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder.
The MRP intervention and specifically, mantram practice, improved mindful attention in veterans with PTSD, yielding improved overall psychological well-being. MRP may be a beneficial adjunct to usual care in veterans with PTSD.
Bormann JE, Oman D, Walter KH, Johnson BD.
Med Care. 2014 Dec;52(12 Suppl 5):S13-8. doi: 10.1097/MLR.0000000000000200.
PMID: 25397817
Cited by (Google Scholar)

Examining mechanisms of change in a yoga intervention for women: the influence of mindfulness, psychological flexibility, and emotion regulation on PTSD symptoms.
Preliminary findings suggest that yoga may reduce expressive suppression and may improve PTSD symptoms by increasing psychological flexibility. More research is needed to replicate and extend these findings.
Dick AM, Niles BL, Street AE, DiMartino DM, Mitchell KS.
J Clin Psychol. 2014 Dec;70(12):1170-82. doi: 10.1002/jclp.22104. Epub 2014 May 28.
PMID: 24888209
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