NORTH ADAMS -- The University of Albany School of Social Welfare is recruiting participants for a pilot study, using EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) to treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in older adult heart attack survivors.
The research team includes North Adams resident Heather Larkin, Ph.D., Lara Kaye, Ph.D., and Ron Toseland, Ph.D., with Mary Sise, LCSW, who is supervising the interventionists.
EFT is a simple acupressure technique that is showing promise for its ability to calm the part of the brain that becomes over-aroused or frozen during a traumatic event. It involves tapping on the Chinese meridian system of the body and a series of eye movements. Once the individual learns the technique, they are then able to regulate their own mind/body system to eliminate the flashbacks, nightmares and terror that can plague them after a traumatic event.
Possible study participants are individuals 55 or older who had a heart attack at least six months ago and who may be experiencing symptoms such as: increased anxiety; difficulty falling asleep; nightmares; physical reactions to reminders of the event, such as pounding heart, rapid breathing, sweating and muscle tension; increased irritability; feeling jumpy or hyper alert; feeling alienated; or an increased use of alcohol or drugs to calm down.
Email EFT@albany.edu or call 518-442-3824 to learn more about the study.
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