Breathwork Intervention for Posttraumatic Stress

Breathwork Intervention for Individuals With Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms

The goal of this single-site, single-arm pilot study is to examine the impact of breathwork training for posttraumatic stress symptoms in an adult veteran population. Participants will complete a single, in-person breathwork session (2 hours) led by a certified breathwork facilitator and engage in an integration session (30 minute) with a licensed psychologist. Participants will be invited to engage in two, optional, virtual follow up breathwork sessions (40 minute practice each) during weeks 2 and 3 following the in-person breathwork session.

Inclusion Criteria:

• (1) having received a professional diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• (2) being able not to commit to another (new) treatment during the course of the study
• (3) understanding English instructions fluently
• (4) being 18 and above.

Exclusion Criteria:

• (1) having been exposed to breathwork any time in the past
• (2) being unable to perform most basic tasks due to PTSD or other mental illness.
• (3) Asthma, breathing problems, or a respiratory disorder (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
• (4) Uncontrolled hypertension (i.e., systolic blood pressure/diastolic blood pressure > 150/95), orthostatic hypotension (e.g., issues with fainting), or cardiovascular or peripheral arterial disease.
• (5) Current or past diagnosis of a neurological disease (e.g., Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, vasovagal syncope)
• (6) Serious psychiatric disorder requiring hospitalization within the past 12 months
• (7) Current substance use disorder or history of hospitalization for treatment of a substance use disorder.
• (8) Current participation in another research study involving an intervention or treatment.
• (9) Currently pregnant
• (10) Any significant comorbidities or issues that, in the opinion of the investigators, could interfere with the study or lead to deleterious effects for the participant.
• (11) Adults unable to consent
• (12) Prisoners