Military psychology : the official journal of the Division of Military Psychology, American Psychological Association
January 1, 2024
Stacey B Armstrong, Yitong Xin, Nathan D Sepeda et al.
19 citations
Among 45 U.S. Special Operations Forces Veterans with risky alcohol use who completed ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT treatment in Mexico, alcohol use dropped substantially from an average of 7.2 drinks per drinking day before treatment to 3.6 at one month and 4.0 at six months post-treatment. At one month, 24% were abstinent, 33% were non-risky drinkers, and 42% still risky drinkers; by six months, 16% were abstinent, 31% non-risky, and 53% risky. Responders (abstinent or non-risky) showed very large improvements in PTSD symptoms and cognitive functioning compared to non-responders, while demographics did not differ. The findings suggest psychedelic-assisted therapy may help those with complex trauma and alcohol misuse who have not responded to traditional treatments.
Military psychology : the official journal of the Division of Military Psychology, American Psychological Association
January 1, 2020
Genine P. Smith, Glenn Hartelius
5 citations
A novel therapeutic approach conceptualizes PTSD-related flashback triggers as the activation of latent dissociative structures called dissociated ego states (DES), which are fractured aspects of self beyond cognitive control. Using mindful attention, therapists can engage these states without emotional dysregulation, recovering dissociated cognitive resources and deactivating the structure, without requiring exposure to traumatic memories. A 9-step intervention is described with a case example of a Vietnam veteran who had PTSD symptoms for 49 years; significant gains were maintained at 21 months follow-up. This mindfulness-based approach targeting dissociated ego states may offer rapid, durable relief from chronic PTSD symptoms and potentially reduce treatment costs.
Military psychology : the official journal of the Division of Military Psychology, American Psychological Association
June 2, 2025
Scott T Frein, Tinni Sen, Howard Sanborn
1 citation
Mindfulness training lowered stress and improved sleep quality among students at a U.S. senior military college. In a 4-week pilot (31 participants) and an 8-week study (66 participants, 18 women), students randomly assigned to mindfulness training showed significant decreases in stress and increases in mindfulness facets (observing, describing, nonreactivity) and sleep quality, while a nutrition training control group showed no significant changes. The findings suggest mindfulness training can benefit well-being in environments combining academic and military demands.