Deployment Anxiety Reduction Training: A Pilot Study of Acceptability and Feasibility in Current or Recent Active Duty Service Members

Abstract

Objectives The Deployment Anxiety Reduction Training (DART) is a manualized tool that was developed and piloted with active duty service members and recently deployed veterans regarding their response to potential and experienced acute combat stress reactions. DART is low risk and has high potential to be beneficial. It is a brief, one-session, non-pharmacological approach designed to reduce symptoms of peritraumatic panic and increase resilience in the face of a potentially traumatic stressor. Methods This study was a mixed-methods pilot study to assess the utility and acceptability of DART during deployment. Results Self-report and interview responses indicated that participants generally found the DART techniques acceptable and easy to understand. Overall, the techniques were perceived as likely to be helpful with high utility, although there was variation in perceived helpfulness among the different techniques. Participants overwhelmingly positively endorsed delivery of the DART protocol through use of smartphone technology. Conclusions Results indicate that the DART components were considered highly acceptable and feasible for use in the deployed environment.