Writing and Breathing Interventions for Postpartum PTSD
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
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.
Who Is on the Research Team?
Pervez Sultan
Principal Investigator
Stanford University
Debra Kaysen
Principal Investigator
Stanford University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for women over 18 who have given birth to a live infant within the past 5 days and are experiencing severe stress due to childbirth complications or their baby being in the NICU. Participants must show signs of PTSD, be able to consent, participate fully, and speak English.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either Written Exposure Therapy or Capnometry Guided Breathing Intervention
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Capnometry-Guided Breathing Intervention
- Written Exposure Therapy
Trial Overview
The study tests two early interventions for postpartum PTSD: Written Exposure Therapy (WET), where participants write about their traumatic experience, and Capnometry-Guided Breathing Intervention (CGRI), which uses breathing techniques monitored by capnometry.
How Is the Trial Designed?
3
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Participants will complete 5 writing sessions focused on their childbirth experience. 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.
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.
Participants will follow their current standard of care.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Stanford University
Lead Sponsor
University of Arkansas
Collaborator
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)
Collaborator
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