Early Intervention for Postpartum PTSD: Comparing Written Exposure and Capnometry-Guided Breathing Therapy
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine two early interventions, Written Exposure Therapy and Capnometry Guided Breathing, to reduce post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in women after childbirth as compared to usual care.
Conditions
- Written Exposure Therapy
- Breathing Techniques
- PTSD (Childbirth-Related)
- Postpartum Care
Eligibility
- Eligible Ages
- Over 18 Years
- Eligible Sex
- Female
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria
- Age ≥18 - Delivered a live infant within 5 days - Severe maternal morbidity or infant admitted to NICU - PCL-5 ≥28 - English-speaking - Able to consent and participate
Exclusion Criteria
- Active psychosis or mania - Current suicidal crisis - Current suicidal intent or plan - Cognitive impairment preventing participation
Study Design
- Phase
- N/A
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel Assignment
- Primary Purpose
- Treatment
- Masking
- None (Open Label)
Arm Groups
| Arm | Description | Assigned Intervention |
|---|---|---|
|
No Intervention Postpartum Standard of Care |
Participants will follow their current standard of care. |
|
|
Experimental Written Exposure Therapy (WET) |
Participants will complete 5 writing sessions. One 50-minute session will be held in the hospital before discharge, followed by four 50-minute sessions by secure video once a week. Sessions are delivered by a trained study therapist under licensed clinician supervision. |
|
|
Experimental Capnometry-Guided Breathing Intervention (CGRI) |
Participants will complete one 45-minute in-hospital training session using the device, which includes a tablet and breathing sensor. They will then practice guided breathing at home twice daily for about 17 minutes each time for 4 weeks, with weekly phone check-ins from study staff. |
|
Recruiting Locations
More Details
- Status
- Recruiting
- Sponsor
- Stanford University
