Actively Recruiting
Early Intervention for Postpartum PTSD: Comparing Written Exposure and Capnometry Guided Breathing Therapy
Led by Stanford University · Updated on 2026-04-24
70
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
S
Stanford University
Lead Sponsor
U
University of Arkansas
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
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.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Early Intervention for Postpartum PTSD: Comparing Written Exposure and Capnometry-Guided Breathing Therapy
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 218 years or older
- Delivered a live infant within the last 5 days
- Experienced severe maternal complications or infant admitted to neonatal intensive care unit
- PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) score of 28 or higher
- Able to speak English
- Able to provide consent and participate in the study
You will not qualify if you...
- Active psychosis or mania
- Current suicidal crisis
- Current suicidal intent or plan
- Cognitive impairment that prevents participation
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 - Up to 6 weeks
Participants receive one of the assigned interventions: Written Exposure Therapy with five 50-minute sessions (one in hospital before discharge and four weekly sessions via secure video), or Capnometry-Guided Breathing Intervention with one 45-minute in-hospital training session followed by twice-daily home breathing practice for 4 weeks with weekly phone check-ins. Participants in the standard care arm follow their usual postpartum care.
1 in-hospital visit for training or therapy session, plus weekly video or phone sessions depending on intervention
Duration - Up to 12 weeks
Participants are monitored for changes in PTSD symptoms, depression, anxiety, maternal-infant bonding, and other health measures through assessments up to 12 weeks after baseline.
Assessments at Baseline, Weeks 1 to 6, and Week 12
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Little Rock, Arkansas, United States, 72205
Not Yet Recruiting
2
Stanford University
Palo Alto, California, United States, 94304
Actively Recruiting
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
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