Research Design: This exploratory study is a randomized, controlled, repeated measures trial to estimate the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation (MfM) to improve the severity of PTSD symptoms, specifically sleep and anxiety, and to improve the psychological wellbeing in Iraqi veterans with PTSD. The study is a repeated measures, comparative study using a parallel design. Both groups will receive routine treatment for PTSD; in addition, the treatment group will receive 8 weeks (1.5 hours/week) of mindfulness meditation from a trained psychologist, (Co-PI, N Chychula) who has been conducting these mindfulness meditation groups with combat veterans for 3 years. Subjects will be asked to commit to practice mindfulness meditation practice for 45 minutes each day. Data will be collected at baseline, eight weeks, and twelve weeks (one month follow-up). An equal number of participants will be randomly assigned to each group with 15 assigned to each group.
Methodology: For purposes of this pilot study, mindfulness meditation will be delivered in the context of a structured manual driven program, developed to enhance awareness of moment-to-moment experience of perceived mental processes. Although rooted in Buddhist traditions, this program is not religious but aims to create a greater awareness of body sensations, feelings and thoughts. This is thought to allow greater perception of one's responses and a gradual reduction in negative affect accompanied by an improvement in vitality and coping and psychological wellbeing (Grossman, 2004).
