Early Treatment for Postpartum PTSD in Women Using Written Exposure or Capnometry-Guided Breathing Therapy

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating two early interventions, Written Exposure Therapy and Capnometry Guided Breathing, to reduce post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD symptoms in women after childbirth. The study compares these therapies with usual postpartum care to understand their effects on postpartum PTSD, focusing on women who have recently given birth and experienced complications such as severe maternal morbidity or infant intensive care admission. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups standard postpartum care, Written Exposure Therapy WET, or Capnometry-Guided Breathing Intervention CGRI. WET involves five writing sessions, starting with a 50-minute session in the hospital before discharge, followed by four weekly 50-minute sessions conducted securely by video. CGRI includes a 45-minute in-hospital training session using a tablet and breathing sensor device, then practicing guided breathing twice daily at home for about 17 minutes each, with weekly phone check-ins. During the study, participants undergo assessments including PTSD symptom scales, depression and anxiety questionnaires, maternal-infant bonding measures, and hair sample collections to analyze hormone levels. Treatment adherence and satisfaction are tracked. The study evaluates the percentage of participants starting and completing the interventions, adherence rates, and changes in PTSD and related symptoms up to 12 weeks. The total participation spans from baseline through follow-up assessments at multiple time points to monitor treatment effects and participant well-being.

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