Cognitive Processing Therapy for Pregnant Women with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Comparing Weekly and Intensive Telemedicine Treatments

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating two forms of cognitive processing therapy CPT to treat pregnant women diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder PTSD. This study aims to compare the effectiveness and tolerability of conventional CPT with massed CPT delivered via telemedicine. The research also investigates how CPT affects mother-infant bonding and collects early data on pregnancy and newborn outcomes related to these treatment schedules. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups standard CPT consisting of one 60-minute session per week for 12 weeks, or massed CPT involving two 60-minute sessions daily over five consecutive days. Both treatment programs are delivered remotely through telemedicine. The study will track outcomes at multiple points, including during and after therapy. Throughout the study, participants will complete assessments such as the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 and the Patient Health Questionnaire at baseline and at intervals up to 16 weeks after starting treatment. Maternal attachment and infant interaction will be evaluated shortly after delivery using specialized inventories. Researchers will monitor responses to therapy, mother-infant relationships, and prenatal and neonatal health over the course of participation, which extends through delivery and postpartum assessments.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for Perinatal Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)