Mantram Repetition Program for Combat-Related PTSD Symptom Management in American Veterans

Abstract

The Mantram Repetition Program (MRP) developed and studied at the Veterans Affairs (VA) San Diego Healthcare System since 2001 is comprised of a set of portable mindful techniques that veterans can use to mitigate posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Mantram repetition is invisible, personal, practical, portable, and specific. Three basic skills are taught in the MRP with the goal of training attention, raising awareness, calming the mind, and nourishing the spirit. The skills of the MRP – mantram repetition, slowing down, and one-pointed attention – together provide a portable, practical, and effective strategy for self-regulating emotions and behaviors. There is growing empirical evidence that the MRP may be an effective, sustainable program for symptom and stress management in military personnel and veterans who suffer from PTSD. MRP also has the potential to provide stress relief and spiritual well-being to those who care for service men and women, both family caregivers and professional providers alike. List of Abbreviations ANOVA Analysis of variance BSI-18 Brief Symptom Inventory-18 – short form 18 items CAPS Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale CPT Cognitive processing therapy DSM-IVTR Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, version 4, Text Revision EMDR Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing FACIT-Sp Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy – Spiritual Well-Being MRP Mantram Repetition Program MRP + TAU Mantram Repetition Program and treatment as usual consisting of medication and case management PCL-M PTSD Checklist – military version from DSM-IV-TR PCT Present centered therapy PE Prolonged exposure PTSD Posttraumatic stress disorder *Email: jill.bormann@va.gov Comprehensive Guide to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-08613-2_92-1 # Springer International Publishing Switzerland (outside the USA) 2015