A Combined Kundalini Yoga and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the standard conventional treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, recent studies have reported the benefits of yoga for reducing PTSD symptoms including a Kundalini Yoga (KY) intervention. The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of a novel combined 8-week CBT and KY program for treating PTSD symptoms and improving sleep quality in a single group trial of 26 adults with PTSD. PTSD symptoms (PTSD checklist-5) and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) were assessed at baseline, post intervention, and at 2-month follow-up. Both CBT and yoga homework compliance were also measured. Total PTSD symptom scores as well as the cluster symptoms (intrusion, avoidance, arousal/reactivity, and negative alterations in cognitions and mood) were significantly improved following the program, all p < .01. The improvements in total PTSD scores, intrusion, avoidance, arousal/reactivity were maintained at follow-up, with all values still less ( p < .01) than baseline. The negative alterations in cognitions and mood symptom cluster continued to improve further at follow-up compared to post-intervention values ( p < .05). Total sleep score ( p < .05) and the subscales of sleep disturbance ( p < .01), daytime dysfunction ( p < .05), and sleep quality ( p < .01) were significantly improved after the program and these improvements were maintained at follow-up compared to baseline. Sleep medication use was decreased ( p < .05) and sleep latency was improved ( p < .01) at follow-up only compared to baseline. There was a significant positive correlation ( p < .05) between the completion of the yoga home practice and post change in total sleep scores. These results show that a combined KY and CBT intervention resulted in decreased PTSD symptoms and improved sleep quality and suggest this program may constitute an additional treatment option for PTSD.