Neurofeedback training to improve well-being in postpartum mothers with trauma history
Feasibility of an Adjunctive Dynamic Neurofeedback Training Program to Enhance Wellness Among Postpartum Mothers With a History of Trauma Exposure
This study is testing a new neurofeedback training program to see if it can help postpartum mothers with a history of trauma feel better and improve their parenting skills.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Wayne State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Detroit, Michigan) |
| Trial ID | NCT06054412 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the feasibility of a neurofeedback training program aimed at enhancing the well-being of postpartum mothers who have experienced childhood trauma and exhibit symptoms of PTSD. The program will be delivered in an outpatient mental health setting and will assess its impact on mothers' emotional regulation, trauma-related symptoms, parenting behaviors, and infant outcomes. Participants will receive Neuroptimal neurofeedback therapy while also engaging in regular psychotherapy. The study aims to gather data on the effectiveness of this combined approach in improving maternal and infant health.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are postpartum mothers aged 3-24 months who have clinically concerning PTSD symptoms and are receiving regular psychotherapy.
Not a fit: Patients who are currently pregnant or have untreated severe mental illnesses or neurological disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the mental health and parenting outcomes for trauma-exposed postpartum mothers.
How similar studies have performed: While neurofeedback has been explored in various contexts, this specific application for postpartum mothers with trauma history is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Must have clinically concerning symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and/or it's dissociative sub-type, as indicated by either a score of 3+ on the Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5) screening measure for PTSD symptoms OR endorsement of 2 or more past-month symptoms of moderate or greater severity on the depersonalization/derealization subscale of the Dissociative Subtype of PTSD Scale (DSPS). * Must be between 3-24 months postpartum * Must be receiving regular, primarily in-person psychotherapy from a therapist at a clinic in the Greater Detroit area. Exclusion Criteria: * Are currently pregnant * Have a lifetime history of significant untreated mental illness (not currently treated schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, or substance use disorder) or neurological or pervasive developmental disorder * Have a documented history of epilepsy * Have ever experienced previous head injury with loss of consciousness * Are currently experiencing domestic or intimate partner violence or otherwise state that their current living conditions are unsafe * Are currently experiencing psychosis or have been suicidal within the last six months * Are currently taking, or in the past month has taken benzodiazepines, narcotic drugs, or cannabis * Have engaged in self-harming behaviors in the last 3 months requiring medical attention * Do not have competence to understand or consent to the study procedures * Do not have fluency in written and spoken English
Where this trial is running
Detroit, Michigan
- Wayne State University — Detroit, Michigan, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Principal Investigator
- Email: hj1429@wayne.edu
- Phone: 313-577-4409
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.