Actively Recruiting
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for Perinatal Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Led by University of Texas at Austin · Updated on 2025-07-11
60
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating two different schedules of cognitive processing therapy (CPT) for pregnant women diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. The study aims to compare the effectiveness and tolerability of conventional CPT versus an intensive "massed" CPT schedule. It also seeks to assess the impact of therapy on maternal-infant attachment and collect preliminary data on obstetric and newborn outcomes. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: the standard CPT group receiving one 60-minute session weekly for 12 weeks, or the massed CPT group receiving two 60-minute sessions daily over 5 consecutive days (totaling 10 sessions). Both therapies are delivered via telemedicine, allowing remote participation. During the study, participants will complete the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 at baseline and multiple follow-up points up to 16 weeks after starting treatment. Additional assessments include depression symptoms, maternal attachment inventories before and after delivery, and infant interaction evaluations within three months postpartum. The research team will monitor therapy adherence and collect relevant clinical data throughout the study, which runs until December 2026.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for Perinatal Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Female, ages 18 to 46 years
- Pregnant less than 25 weeks
- Able to read and write in English
- History of at least one criterion A trauma
- Primary diagnosis of PTSD confirmed by structured clinical interview
- Psychotropic medications stable with no changes for at least 2 weeks (6 weeks for fluoxetine)
- No medication changes allowed during therapy
You will not qualify if you...
- Not currently pregnant
- Diagnosis of bipolar disorder
- Diagnosis of psychotic disorders
- Suicidal ideation with plan or intent
- Substance use disorder
- Regular benzodiazepine use more than 4 times weekly
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Either 12 weeks or 5 days depending on treatment group
Participants receive Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for Perinatal PTSD. One group attends one 60-minute session weekly for 12 weeks, while another group attends two 60-minute sessions daily for 5 consecutive days.
Weekly visits for up to 12 weeks or daily visits for 5 consecutive days depending on group assignment
Duration - Up to 16 weeks following initiation of treatment
Participants complete assessments of PTSD symptoms, depression, and maternal-infant attachment up to 16 weeks following the start of treatment.
Assessments at 1, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks after treatment start
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Texas at Austin, Dell Medical School, Department of Psychiatry
Austin, Texas, United States, 78701
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
R
Research Associate I
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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