Yoga for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Women
ABSTRACT
Background: Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an increasingly common disorder with many co-morbid conditions affecting approximately 10 million women in the United States. Current available treatments for PTSD include pharmacologic agents and psychotherapy with varying efficacy.
Methods: An exhaustive literature search was conducted using MEDLINE-Ovid, CINAHL, MEDLINE-PubMED, Google Scholar and Web of Science using the search terms: post traumatic stress disorder, yoga, treatment and women. Reference lists from identified articles were also reviewed for additional studies. Two studies met the criteria of this systematic review.
Results: Two studies met the eligibility criteria both of which were randomized controlled trials. The participant demographics between studies were similar with respect to age and race.
Conclusion: The benefits of yoga in the treatment of adult women with PTSD are promising but preliminary. More studies are needed to adequately address the potential benefits of yoga for treatment of PTSD. Future research is warranted on this topic due to its potential impact on changing the management of post traumatic stress patients, reducing strain on the healthcare system, and lowering costs for patients.
Keywords: Post traumatic stress disorder, yoga, treatment, women.
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REVIEWED STUDIES:
Kolk BA, Stone L, West J, et al. Yoga as an Adjunctive Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.2014.75
Dick AM, Barbara LN, Amy ES, et al. Examining Mechanisms of Change in a Yoga Intervention for Women: The Influence of Mindfulness, Psychological Flexibility, and Emotion Regulation on PTSD Symptoms. Journal of Clinical Psychology.2014;70(2) 1170-1182.
AUTHOR: Joshua “Ryan” Burns is currently completing his second year in the School of PA Studies at Pacific University, Oregon. He will graduate with an MS degree in August, 2016.