PTSD

• Surf therapy has been shown to reduce PTSD symptoms: A study found that surf therapy significantly reduced PTSD symptoms among U.S. active duty service members, with participants experiencing a 30% reduction in symptoms.
• Comorbid PTSD and MDD: Surf therapy was found to be particularly effective for individuals with both PTSD and major depressive disorder (MDD), with participants showing significantly greater reductions in depression/anxiety and improvements in positive affect compared to those with either disorder alone.

Depression

• Reduced depressive symptoms: Surf therapy has been shown to decrease symptoms of depression among various populations, including U.S. active duty service members, young adult cancer survivors, and youth with disabilities.
• Major depressive disorder (MDD): A randomized controlled trial found that surf therapy produced greater reductions in depressive symptoms compared to hike therapy among U.S. active duty service members with MDD.

Anxiety

• Reduced anxiety: Surf therapy has been found to reduce anxiety levels among participants, including children and youth in need of social and emotional support, young adult cancer survivors, and veterans.
• Immediate benefits: Surf therapy has been shown to provide immediate benefits, including significantly reduced depression/anxiety and increased positive affect among U.S. active duty service members.