Mindfulness-Based Exposure Therapy for PTSD After Cardiac Arrest

This trial explores whether Acceptance- and Mindfulness-Based Exposure Therapy (AMBET) can reduce PTSD symptoms in cardiac arrest survivors. It compares AMBET to Present Centered Therapy (PCT) to determine which is more effective. Participants will attend therapy sessions, complete weekly mood surveys, and monitor their sleep and activity with a Fitbit. This trial suits English-speaking U.S. residents who experienced a cardiac arrest over three months ago and have PTSD symptoms. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that could enhance PTSD treatment options.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you started a new psychotropic medication less than 3 months ago, you may not be eligible to participate.

A previous study found that Acceptance and Mindfulness-Based Exposure Therapy (AMBET) was safe and well-tolerated by participants. This therapy aims to reduce PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) symptoms in cardiac arrest survivors. The initial trial showed that AMBET is not only feasible but also might help reduce PTSD symptoms.

Present Centered Therapy (PCT), the other treatment in this trial, helps people manage stress and challenges in daily life. Both therapies are provided remotely, either online or over the phone, making them easily accessible.

Researchers are excited about these treatments for PTSD after cardiac arrest because they take a novel approach by incorporating mindfulness and acceptance techniques. Unlike standard PTSD treatments, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or medication, Acceptance and Mindfulness-Based Exposure Therapy (AMBET) combines exposure therapy with mindfulness practices, delivered remotely. This innovative method aims to help patients confront and accept their traumatic experiences while staying present in the moment, potentially offering a more holistic and accessible approach to healing. Present-Centered Therapy (PCT), another treatment in the trial, focuses on equipping patients with skills to handle current stressors, which may provide practical, immediate relief.

Research has shown that Acceptance- and Mindfulness-Based Exposure Therapy (AMBET), one of the therapies studied in this trial, may reduce PTSD symptoms in people who have survived sudden cardiac arrest. Early results suggest that AMBET is safe and might be effective for this group. This therapy combines exposure therapy, which helps people face their fears, with mindfulness, which encourages staying in the present moment. Studies have found that this approach can help reduce PTSD symptoms by teaching patients how to better handle stress and anxiety. Present Centered Therapy (PCT) is another therapy compared in this trial. It focuses on dealing with current life challenges and stress. Both therapies aim to improve PTSD symptoms, but more research is needed to determine which one works better.¹²³⁴⁶