Feasibility and Acceptability of Stress Induction, Physiological Data Collection, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Among Combat Veterans With PTSD

Feasibility and Acceptability of Stress Induction, Physiological Data Collection, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Among Combat Veterans With PTSD

Investigators will recruit up to 20 veterans with PTSD. Participants will be randomized into two conditions: MBSR and Health and Wellness Education (HWE; control group). Participants will be randomized at a 1:1 ratio. Purpose of the study is to learn how mindfulness meditation may be helpful in treating PTSD. Participants will undergo 2 screening sessions, 8 weekly sessions of intervention (MBSR or HWE), 3 laboratory visits that will include completing survey questionnaires, stress test and recording of heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult (18-85yo)
• Military veteran
• Experiencing PTSD symptoms
• Reading and speaking in English
• Be able to travel to OHSU for three two-hour lab visits, 8 weekly intervention sessions and one long extended session, and a two- hour focus group

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy
• Severe untreated depression, cognitive impairment, or active suicidality*
• Life-threatening or severely disabling medical conditions
• Excessive use of alcohol, nicotine, or cannabis