Southern California Institute for Research and Education
With
VA Office of Research and Development
Age
18–55
Sex
ALL
Healthy volunteers
Accepted
You may be eligible if
Veteran Age 18 to 55
DSM-5 criteria for chronic PTSD on Clinical Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5)
CAPS-5 score of ≥ 26 and meeting criteria for each of 4 symptoms
You may not be if
Current and past six-months psychosis
Substance dependence within 6 months (evidence of tolerance and/or withdrawal)
Thyroid disease
Decisional incapacity (e.g., dementia)
Centrally acting medications that have a potential effect on biological expression (e.g., beta-blockers, opiates, and ≥10mg equivalent of diazepam/day)
Pain levels requiring opiate medications
Known exposure to chemicals or physical trauma that cause neuropsychiatric sequelae
Severe depression (Beck Depression Inventory-II score ≥30)
A diagnosed and untreated sleep breathing disorder (SBD)
High risk of a SBD as indicated by snoring ≥50 of nights plus one of any
1. Any witnessed apnea
2. Feeling non-refreshed in the morning ≥50 of mornings
3. Daytime sleepiness indicated by falling asleep with routine tasks such as watching TV or reading
Non-response to ≥2 evidence-based PTSD treatments (adequate medication of 12 weeks or completion to PE, CPT or an intensive program)
Treatment non-adherence indicated by stopping treatment or \>3 missed appointments in the course of PTSD EBT
High dissociation as indicated by a score of ≥25 on the Dissociative Experiences Scale - II
Past chronic PTSD prior to military service
Current active psychotherapy for PTSD
Having acupuncture in the past year
Pregnancy
Clareo Health | Acupuncture for Post-Traumatic Stress in Combat Veterans
