Pilot Study Using Precision Somatic Awareness Techniques
To Reduce PTSD Symptoms
The following is a summary of a pilot study to assess the effectiveness of the application of Great Life Technologies methodologies for reducing the severity of PTSD symptoms.
On October 20, 2010, Tom Stone, President of Great Life Technologies conducted a six hour group session using his methods and technology for 8 participants who had PTSD, based on the criteria set out in 4th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (or DSM-IV).
The participants answered a self-assessment questionnaire evaluating each of the 17 symptoms of PTSD outlined in DSM-IV, prior to the start of the session, at the end of the session, and one week after completion of the session. The evaluations were based on a scale of 0 through 10, with 0 representing none of that symptom, to 10 representing extreme severity of the symptom.
These 17 symptoms are divided into three separate clusters – Re-experiencing, Avoidance, and Hyper-arousal. The three PTSD symptom clusters, and the specific symptoms that make up these clusters, and the results of the session and processes based on the self-assessments related to those symptoms, both before and after the processes, are as set out in the following graphic presentation.
During the six-hour session, an overall average of 62.92% reduction of symptoms was realized. An additional self-assessment showed a 72.95% reduction one week after the session, confirming our clinical observation that the results not only last but they continue to improve over time.
Re-Experiencing
A1 |
Frequent upsetting thoughts or memories about events |
| A2 | Recurring nightmares |
| A3 | Acting or feeling as though the event(s) were happening again (flashback) |
| A4 | Strong feeling of distress when reminded of the traumatic event |
| A5 | Physical response, such as higher heart rate, sweating etc. to reminders of event(s) |
Avoidance
| B1 | Efforts to avoid thoughts, feeling or conversations about the event(s) |
| B2 | Efforts to avoid places or people that remind you of the event(s) |
| B3 | Difficulty remembering important parts of the event(s) |
| B4 | Loss of interest in important, once positive, activities |
| B5 | Feeling distant from others |
| B6 | Difficulty having positive feelings, such as happiness or love |
| B7 | Feelings that one's life may be cut short |
Hyper-arousal
| C1 | Difficulty falling or staying asleep (not tested immediately after) |
| C2 | Irritable or having outbursts of anger |
| C3 | Difficulty concentrating |
| C4 | Feeling constantly "on-guard" or that danger is lurking around every corner |
| C5 | "Jumpy" or easily startled |
Category C1 (related to sleep) was not able to be evaluated in the immediate post session assessment, but is included in the one-week assessment.
Overall Summary of Results
The overall results are summarized below:
Percentage Reductions
