Neural Mechanisms of Floatation-REST Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Frontline Healthcare Workers
Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Inc.
Summary
This early-stage pilot trial aims to examine the feasibility, tolerability, and safety of Floatation-REST, or Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy via floatation in frontline healthcare workers, first responders, and emergency medical personnel who experience post-traumatic stress symptoms.
Description
Frontline healthcare workers, first responders, and emergency medical personnel are repeatedly exposed to occupational stressors and potentially traumatic events, placing them at elevated risk for post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), burnout, anxiety, and related impairments. Current stress-reduction approaches for healthcare workers often have limited evidence for efficacy or may be difficult to implement in high-demand emergency and healthcare settings. Therefore, rapid, low-burden interventions that are feasible, tolerable, and safe for this population are needed. Floatation-REST, or Red…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–64 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Work-related post-traumatic stress dysfunction as measured by either of the following inclusion pathways: (A) PTSS Pathway: PCL-5 greater than or equal to 20, OR meets criteria for full or partial PTSD on the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview 7 (DSM-V) (Criteria A + at least 2 B-E Criteria) OR (B) Functionally Anchored Pathway: evidence of work-related trauma exposure on the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview 7 (DSM-V) (Criterion A) or Life Events Checklist-5, and at least one of the following: Moral Injury and Distress Scale greater than or e…
Interventions
- BehavioralFloatation-REST
Participants float supine in a shallow pool of water saturated with Epsom salt. The environment is designed to minimize external stimulation via multiple channels including sound, light, and temperature.
- BehavioralDocumentary
Participants will sit in a quiet room and watch a documentary.
Location
- Laureate Institute for Brain ResearchTulsa, Oklahoma