Early postpartum treatments to reduce PTSD: written exposure versus capnometry-guided breathing
Early Intervention for Postpartum PTSD: Comparing Written Exposure and Capnometry Guided Breathing Therapy
This project tests whether written exposure therapy or capnometry-guided breathing can reduce PTSD symptoms in new mothers after a traumatic childbirth.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Little Rock, Arkansas and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07342530 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Researchers will enroll women aged 18 and older who delivered a live infant within five days and have elevated PTSD symptoms (PCL-5 ≥28) following severe maternal morbidity or a neonatal ICU admission. Participants will be assigned to written exposure therapy, a capnometry-guided breathing intervention, or usual care, with interventions delivered in the early postpartum period. Written exposure involves short, structured writing sessions about the traumatic birth, while capnometry-guided breathing uses device feedback to regulate breathing and CO2 levels. PTSD symptoms and related outcomes will be measured over time to compare symptom change between groups.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Women aged 18 or older who delivered a live infant within five days, experienced severe maternal morbidity or had their infant admitted to the NICU, and have elevated PTSD symptoms (PCL-5 ≥28) are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with active psychosis, a current suicidal crisis or intent, or cognitive impairment preventing participation are excluded and would not be expected to benefit from these interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these brief early interventions could reduce postpartum PTSD symptoms and lower the risk of longer-term mental health problems.
How similar studies have performed: Written exposure therapy has demonstrated benefit for PTSD in other settings, while capnometry-guided breathing is less established for postpartum PTSD and is relatively novel in this population.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 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 Criteria: * Active psychosis or mania * Current suicidal crisis * Current suicidal intent or plan * Cognitive impairment preventing participation
Where this trial is running
Little Rock, Arkansas and 1 other locations
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences — Little Rock, Arkansas, United States (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Stanford University — Palo Alto, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Pervez Sultan — Stanford University
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.