NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Reducing PTSD symptoms in pregnant and postpartum women to improve health outcomes

Official title: Breaking the Cycle of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder for High-Risk Perinatal Populations

Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-10949372 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how helping pregnant and new moms with PTSD can improve their health and their babies' health, especially for those who are at higher risk, like Black women and those living in rural areas.

More Posttraumatic Stress Disorder research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIndiana University Indianapolis
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Indianapolis, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2024
Project endJuly 30, 2028
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$140,835
NIH project number1K23HD115845-01
Project IDNIH-10949372 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant or postpartum women, especially those who are Black or living in rural areas and experiencing PTSD symptoms.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not pregnant or postpartum, or those who do not have PTSD symptoms, may not receive benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how reducing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in pregnant and postpartum women can lead to better health outcomes for both mothers and their infants. It specifically targets high-risk groups, including Black women and those living in rural areas, who often face significant health disparities. The study will involve a randomized controlled pilot approach to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of a brief intervention designed to treat perinatal PTSD. By engaging these vulnerable populations, the research aims to address the gaps in existing treatments and improve overall maternal health.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health and health outcomes for mothers and their infants, particularly in underserved populations.

How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically targeting perinatal PTSD in these populations, existing evidence-based treatments for PTSD have shown success in other contexts.

Where this research is happening

  • Indiana University Indianapolis
    Indianapolis, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Miller, Michelle Louise — Indiana University Indianapolis
  • Study coordinator: Miller, Michelle Louise

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.