Incorporating Complementary and Alternative Practices into Treatment of PTSD

Abstract

This chapter examines evidence for the effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There is high demand for CAM among both military and civilian consumers and thus CAM for PTSD warrants thorough analysis. The CAM interventions reviewed herein include mindfulness and other meditative practices, acupuncture, yoga, relaxation, breathing training, and physical exercise. Although there are few rigorous studies of CAM for PTSD, available evidence suggests that these approaches are moderately effective. They would generally not be considered a first line intervention for PTSD at this point, but rather would be recommended as an adjunct to established approaches. The limited number of studies available, however, precludes drawing firm conclusions. Thus, future work should focus on better understanding the optimal uses of CAM for PTSD.