Early Intervention for Postpartum PTSD: Comparing Written Exposure and Capnometry Guided Breathing Therapy

Stanford University

Summary

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.

Eligibility

Age range: 18+ years
Sex: Female
Healthy volunteers: No

Detailed criteria

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

Interventions

Behavioral
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.
Device
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.

Locations (2)

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Little Rock, Arkansas
HLMoody@uams.edu 501-526-4333
Stanford University
Palo Alto, California
ajethwa1@stanford.edu 650-723-5439

Early Intervention for Postpartum PTSD: Comparing Written Exposure and Capnometry Guided Breathing Therapy

Summary

Eligibility

Interventions

Locations (2)

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Details

Conditions