Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD During Pregnancy
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial targets pregnant women with PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) and compares two therapy types. One group will attend regular weekly sessions of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), while the other will participate in more frequent sessions over a short period (massed CPT). The trial aims to determine which therapy better alleviates PTSD and depression, affects bonding with the baby, and impacts pregnancy and newborn health outcomes. Pregnant women with PTSD, particularly those with past trauma experiences, may find this trial suitable. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to explore effective therapy options for PTSD during pregnancy, potentially improving both maternal and newborn health.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
You can continue taking your current medications, but they must be stable with no changes for at least 2 weeks (6 weeks for fluoxetine) before starting the trial, and you cannot change them during the therapy.
What prior data suggests that these therapy protocols are safe for pregnant women with PTSD?
Studies have shown that Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is generally safe for treating PTSD in pregnant women. Research indicates no major negative effects have been reported in studies involving CPT, suggesting the therapy is well-tolerated. Less specific safety data exists for the more intensive version, Massed Cognitive Processing Therapy (mCPT). However, since both CPT and mCPT are types of talk therapy rather than medication, they likely share a similar safety profile. Talk therapies like these avoid the side effects often associated with drugs, making them a safer option during pregnancy.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about using Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD during pregnancy because it offers a structured, therapeutic approach without relying on medication, which is a big plus for expectant mothers. Traditional treatments often involve medications like SSRIs, which may not be ideal during pregnancy. What makes CPT unique is its focus on changing harmful thought patterns through talk therapy. The study also explores Massed Cognitive Processing Therapy (mCPT), which condenses treatment into just five days with multiple sessions each day. This accelerated approach could be especially beneficial, offering quicker relief from PTSD symptoms compared to the standard weekly sessions over three months.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for PTSD during pregnancy?
This trial will compare two approaches to Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for pregnant women with PTSD. Studies have shown that CPT helps reduce PTSD symptoms, with one study finding a significant drop in PCL scores of over 20 points, indicating strong improvement. Research also shows that these benefits last for months after treatment. In this trial, participants may receive Regular CPT, involving one 60-minute session per week for 12 weeks, or Massed CPT (mCPT), which consists of two 60-minute sessions each day for 5 consecutive days. Early findings suggest that mCPT can be just as effective as regular CPT but in a shorter time, offering flexibility in treatment duration.25678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Erin Richardson
Principal Investigator
University of Texas at Austin
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for pregnant women diagnosed with PTSD, showing significant symptoms (PCL-5 score > 33). It's not clear what the exclusion criteria are, but typically participants would be excluded if they have conditions or circumstances that could interfere with the treatment or skew results.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either conventional CPT (12 weekly sessions) or massed CPT (12 sessions over 5 days) via telemedicine for PTSD treatment
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
- Massed Cognitive Processing Therapy (mCPT)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Texas at Austin
Lead Sponsor