Early Intervention for Postpartum PTSD: Comparing Written Exposure and Capnometry-Guided Breathing Therapy
Early Intervention for Postpartum PTSD: Comparing Written Exposure and Capnometry Guided Breathing Therapy
Stanford University
70 participants
Mar 9, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
The purpose of this study is to examine two early interventions, Written Exposure Therapy and Capnometry Guided Breathing, to reduce post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in women after childbirth as compared to usual care.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria6
- Age ≥18
- Delivered a live infant within 5 days
- Severe maternal morbidity or infant admitted to NICU
- PCL-5 ≥28
- English-speaking
- Able to consent and participate
Exclusion Criteria4
- Active psychosis or mania
- Current suicidal crisis
- Current suicidal intent or plan
- Cognitive impairment preventing participation
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Interventions
Participants will complete 5 writing sessions. One 50-minute session will be held in the hospital before discharge, followed by four 50-minute sessions by secure video once a week. Sessions are delivered by a trained study therapist under licensed clinician supervision.
Participants will complete one 45-minute in-hospital training session using the device, which includes a tablet and breathing sensor. They will then practice guided breathing at home twice daily for about 17 minutes each time for 4 weeks, with weekly phone check-ins from study staff.
Locations(2)
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NCT07342530