Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms treated and studied

Posted: October 6, 2014 2:10 p.m.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious and common problem affecting some people exposed to a traumatic event. While often associated with the military and emergency responders, PTSD can also affect other people subjected to trauma.

For people who have been through a traumatic event, stress may last a long time. Some people may continue to be distressed by the memory of the event. Others may spend time avoiding - or trying to avoid - things that remind them of the event. For some people, their emotions may be numb or negative. Others may be overly stressed or hyper-vigilant.

These symptoms are being treated and studied by Dr. Gordon Asmundson, a professor of clinical psychology at the University of Regina. Funding of approximately $450,000 from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is being provided for this treatment study.

“This research is important because we need to identify approaches to treating this serious and devastating condition that are evidence-based but also widely accessible and acceptable to those needing treatment” explains Asmundson a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.

Treatment is available free and immediately for eligible people through Dr. Asmundson’s Anxiety and Illness Behaviours Laboratory at the University of Regina.

Recently, aerobic exercise has been shown to reduce PTSD symptoms. As part of his research, those people selected may exercise with a certified personal trainer as part of their assigned treatment.

“We know that exercise is good for everyone, both physically and emotionally. What we hope to learn from this research is whether aerobic exercise improves the effectiveness of cognitive-behaviour therapy for PTSD and whether exercise alone is beneficial in reducing PTSD symptoms and related disability. If we do find that exercise is effective in reducing PTSD symptoms, we will have identified an evidence-based treatment approach that is easily accessible to all Canadians,” adds Asmundson.

To qualify, people must be affected by PTSD, be between the ages of 18 and 65, be able to read at a Grade 6 level, have access to a computer and the internet, be able to commit to 12 weeks of treatment, and be able to engage safely in physical activity.

He says this type of research “demonstrates ties between the University of Regina the wider community in that research efforts to improve mental health treatments and the quality of life for those with conditions like PTSD are ultimately dependant on community participation and involvement. We are truly working together to improve the lives of many.”

For information about taking part in this research, please contact the Anxiety and Illness Behaviours Laboratory at 306-337-2473 or by email at anxiety.lab@uregina.ca.