Helping new mothers cope with traumatic memories after childbirth
tAckling intruSive Traumatic memoRies After chiLdbirth (ASTRAL): A Single-blind Waitlist Randomized Controlled Trial
This study tests a quick treatment for new mothers who are struggling with upsetting memories from childbirth to see if it helps reduce their distress and PTSD symptoms.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Lausanne, Vaud and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05381155 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-blind randomized controlled trial investigates the effectiveness of a brief behavioral intervention designed for women experiencing intrusive traumatic memories related to childbirth. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive immediate treatment, which includes discussing their traumatic memory followed by playing Tetris, or to a waitlist group. The study aims to assess changes in childbirth-related intrusive memories and PTSD symptoms over a period of weeks through daily diary reports. The intervention is intended to provide a quick and accessible method for alleviating distressing memories associated with childbirth.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are women who have given birth at least 6 weeks prior and are experiencing intrusive traumatic memories related to their childbirth.
Not a fit: Patients who are currently undergoing psychological treatment for their childbirth experience or have severe mental health conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce intrusive traumatic memories and PTSD symptoms in new mothers, improving their mental health and overall well-being.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using behavioral interventions for PTSD, suggesting that this approach may be effective, though the specific application to childbirth-related memories is less commonly tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Signed written consent * Gave birth in one of the study centres * Gave birth to a live baby * Had at least 4 CB-ITM over the past two weeks * Childbirth happened at least 6 weeks ago Exclusion Criteria: * Is not fluent enough in French to participate in the assessments * Life-threatening illness of mother or infant * Has an established intellectual disability or a psychotic illness * Takes propranolol medication * Alcohol and/or illicit drug abuse * Is not able to distinguish ITM linked to other traumatic events from CB-ITM targeted during the intervention * Has an ongoing psychological treatment in relation to her childbirth experience * Is under 18 years old
Where this trial is running
Lausanne, Vaud and 1 other locations
- Antje Horsch — Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland (Recruiting)
- Maxime Haubry — Neuchâtel, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Antje Horsch, PhD — University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital
- Study coordinator: Antje Horsch, PhD
- Email: antje.horsch@chuv.ch
- Phone: +41 79 556 07 50
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.