Virtual Mantram Program for Patients With PTSD and SUD

Virtual Mantram Repetition Program for Patients With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Substance Use Disorders

The purpose of this study is to evaluate a virtual Mantram repetition program for adults with PTSD and substance use disorders. The program involves repetition of a personalized Mantram, which is a word or short phrase with spiritual meaning that is frequently repeated throughout the day. The program also involves slowing down thoughts and have one-pointed attention that help with stress.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate a virtual Mantram repetition program for adults with PTSD and substance use disorders. The program involves repetition of a personalized Mantram, which is a word or short phrase with spiritual meaning that is frequently repeated throughout the day. The program also involves slowing down thoughts and have one-pointed attention that help with stress.

The study starts with an eligibility and baseline assessment, which involves completing a series of questionnaires. Following these assessments, enrolled participants will be placed into a Mantram repetition program group led by two facilitators. This group will consist of 5 to 8 participants who will meet virtually every week for ninety minutes over an 8-week period. During this time, participants will also be asked to complete weekly self-reported questionnaires on their own. Additionally, at weeks 4 and 8, the participants will complete assessments and questionnaires with a member of the study team. The program will end after week 8. At week 12, participants will be invited to participate in a focus group to complete additional assessments, as well as be asked open-ended questions assessing the impact of the program on PTSD symptoms, substance use, and substance use cravings.

In summary, the Mantram group program will take 8 weeks to complete and the assessments will take approximately 12 weeks to complete. Participants will receive compensation of up to $200 for their participation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• participants 18-years old or older
• fluent in English
• diagnosed with PTSD by a healthcare practitioner confirmed with the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5 past month version)
• diagnosed with past-year substance use disorder other than tobacco or caffeine by a healthcare practitioner confirmed by Structured clinical interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5)
• agreed not to participate in other therapies during the program (mindfulness, yoga, biofeedback, self-hypnosis or tai chi)
• willing to commit to attend all sessions

Exclusion Criteria:

• diagnosis of a severe or unstable medical illness that precludes safe participation in the study by a healthcare practitioner
• diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder; or current acute psychosis or mania by a healthcare practitioner
• participants with moderate or high risk of suicide upon screening by the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)
• have an inability to communicate in English fluently enough to complete the questionnaire.