RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT05662423

Preventing Childbirth-Related PTSD With Expressive Writing

The Effects of Expressive Writing Following Traumatic Childbirth

Sponsor

Massachusetts General Hospital

Enrollment

136 participants

Start Date

Nov 8, 2023

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

PTSD (Childbirth-Related)

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to test a brief psychological intervention given to individuals in the first days following childbirth who have experienced a potentially stressful childbirth. The treatment is aimed at preventing post-traumatic stress disorder following childbirth and promoting maternal-infant bonding. In the days following childbirth, participants will be asked to write about their childbirth experience or a neutral event for three consecutive days, for around 15 minutes each day. Additionally, they will complete a short survey before and after the intervention about their birth experience and mental health. Around 2 months postpartum (with the option of up to around Month 3 PP), participants will take part in mental health and physiological assessments, and in a brief play session with their infant.

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 50 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study tests whether a structured writing exercise (expressive writing) can help prevent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in women who found childbirth traumatic. Participants write about their birth experience over several sessions to help process the event emotionally. **You may be eligible if...** - You recently gave birth at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) - You scored above 16 on a standard scale measuring emotional distress around childbirth (the Peritraumatic Distress Inventory) - You are between 18 and 50 years old - You are able to understand English and complete written exercises **You may NOT be eligible if...** - Your baby was stillborn - Your baby was in intensive care for more than a week or has a serious medical condition - You have a current diagnosis of bipolar disorder, a psychotic disorder, or substance abuse - You have active suicidal thoughts - You had general anesthesia during delivery - Your baby has Down syndrome or another serious genetic condition Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALExpressive Writing about Childbirth

Participants will write repeatedly about their deepest emotions and thoughts related to their recent childbirth, focusing on the most stressful experiences.

BEHAVIORALNeutral Writing

Participants will write repeatedly about neutral daily events/tasks not related to childbirth.