Tackling trauma with technology: Treating chronic combat-related PTSD in Canadian Armed Forces personnel and Veterans with 3MDR

Introduction: Military members (MMs) and Veterans (Vs) are at risk of developing combat-related, treatment resistant posttraumatic stress disorder (TR-PTSD). The effectiveness and acceptance of Multi-modular Motion-assisted Memory Desensitization and Reconsolidation therapy (3MDR) is being studied with 40 Canadian MMVs with TR-PTSD. Objectives: To measure PTSD symptoms of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) MMs and Vs with TR-PTSD, and the technology acceptance and usability of the 3MDR intervention with the CAREN technology in this population. Methods: Through a mixed-method randomized waitlist-control cross-over study, quantitative and qualitative data will be collected pre/post-intervention and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months follow up. Blood and saliva will be obtained to measure biomarkers related to PTSD. Data was analyzed using repeated measures linear regression, and qualitative thematic analysis. Results: Eleven participants have completed the 3MDR intervention. Preliminary results demonstrate a clinically significant reduction in PTSD symptoms, with 27% of participants no longer met the DSM5 diagnostic criteria for PTSD post-intervention. Statistically significant pre-post decreases in mean score on multiple measures of PTSD symptoms, emotional regulation, and moral injury were observed. The expectations of the MMs, Vs, therapists (n-5), and operators (n=2) regarding technology acceptance and usability were met. Participants indicated significant functional, health and wellbeing improvements in relation to the psychosocial domain after completing the intervention. Conclusion: Preliminary results are promising and are trending toward 3MDR being an effective intervention for TR-PTSD and moral injury in Canadian MMs and Vs.