Cancer
Conditions
Brief summary
The major goal of this study is to determine whether Neuro-Emotional Technique is a viable treatment option for decreasing distress in cancer patients. The potential advantages of NET are: 1) it is designed specifically to address distressing stimuli and unresolved emotional memories; 2) it is a brief, time-limited intervention; and 3) its multi-modal design may appeal to and benefit a broader range of patients than a single mode intervention
Interventions
BEHAVIORALNET Intervention
Neuro-emotional Technique
Sponsors
Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Age ≥18 years of age * Distressing cancer-related recollection that has persisted for at least six months * Distressing cancer-related recollection that causes physiological reactivity (i.e., increased heart rate and/or increased skin conductance level - SCL), as described in section 4.2.3. * Received a cancer diagnosis at least 6 months prior to being contacted for participation in this study
Exclusion criteria
* Any current Major Mental Disorder, as assessed by Structured Clinical Interview for DSM IV Axis I Disorders (SCID - Clinical Version, First et al, 1997) * History of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder * Current active mood primary disorder prior to the cancer diagnosis (as per PI or designate) * History or current diagnosis of substance or alcohol abuse or dependence (as per PI or designate) * Use of psychotropic medications within the past month or current use of medications that would interfere with autonomic nervous system measures (benzodiazepines, barbiturates, major tranquilizers). * Use of some psychotropic medications are allowed such as SSRIs and certain sleep aids, but dosages must be stable from six weeks prior to enrollment and throughout study period * Any psychological or musculoskeletal problems that would interfere with psychophysiological assessments and treatment * Currently receiving chemotherapy or radiation * Are in the terminal stages of illness
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Post traumatic Cognitions Inventory | baseline/ 4 weeks/6 months follow up | change from baseline Post Traumatic Cognitions Inventory score |
| State Trait Anxiety Inventory | baseline/4 weeks/6 months follow up | change from baseline State Trait Anxiety Inventory score |
| Brief Symptom Inventory | baseline/4 weeks/6 month follow up | change from baseline Brief Symptom Inventory |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Autonomal response to distressing recollections | baseline/4 weeks follow up | change from baseline in autonomal response to distressing recollections |
| Genomic testing | baseline/ 4 weeks follow up | change from baseline genomic testing before and after intervention |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed