NCT07021352 Auricular Acupuncture on Emotional Distress in Service Members and Veterans With PTSD
| NCT ID | NCT07021352 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | United States Naval Medical Center, San Diego |
| Condition | PTSD and Substance Use Disorder |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 66 participants |
| Start Date | 2026-03-02 |
| Primary Completion | 2027-10 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 66 participants in total. It began in 2026-03-02 with a primary completion date of 2027-10.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
Emotional distress (ED) refers to a state of mental suffering that significantly impairs an individual's ability to cope, often leading to a decline in overall well-being. In military contexts, ED is a prevalent concern due to the unique and demanding challenges faced by military personnel both in combat zones and during peacetime. The primary objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of integrating ear acupuncture with mindfulness therapy in mitigating ED and alleviating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among military personnel. The study will examine the effects of auricular acupuncture (AA) and mindfulness therapy (MT) on ED in military personnel with PTSD. The NADA ear acupuncture protocol will be administered using acupuncture semi-permanent (ASP), sterile needles placed in the bilateral ears, which will remain in place until they naturally fall out. Mindfulness therapy will incorporate relaxation techniques, such as yoga and controlled breathing exercises, specifically designed to alleviate ED. A mixed-methods approach, integrating both quantitative and qualitative methods, will be employed concurrently to evaluate the interventions' effectiveness and to explore the participants' perceived benefits. Specific Aim 1: To evaluate the effectiveness and perceived benefits of the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) ear acupuncture protocol as an adjunct therapy to brief mindfulness therapy for reducing emotional distress in service members and veterans with PTSD. Specific Aim 2: To examine the effectiveness of NADA as an adjunct therapy to brief mindfulness therapy in improving sleep disturbances, alcohol use, and pain in service members and veterans with PTSD.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Active duty service member and veterans * A score of 14 or above on the abbreviated PCL 6-item * A score of 24 or above on the EDS * Agrees to participate in mindfulness therapy * Able to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: \- Has had mindfulness therapy received from a healthcare provider in the past month
Contact & Investigator
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07021352 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, up to 65 Years, studying PTSD and Substance Use Disorder. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07021352 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07021352 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at jjabanes@gmail.com for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07021352 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Fairfield, United States, San Diego, United States.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07021352 clinical trial?
NCT07021352 is sponsored by United States Naval Medical Center, San Diego. The trial plans to enroll 66 participants.
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