Prolonged exposure therapy with attendance incentives for pregnant people with PTSD
Official title: Prolonged Exposure Therapy to Treat Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Pregnant Patients
Run by University of Vermont · NCT06670079 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program will try prolonged exposure therapy plus small financial incentives to help pregnant people reduce PTSD symptoms.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Vermont Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Burlington, Vermont) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 5, 2026 |
| Main results expected | July 15, 2027 |
| Study ends | July 22, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06670079 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Pregnant people over 18 years old who are ≤25 weeks gestation and meet DSM-5 criteria for PTSD, and who are not in other evidence-based PTSD treatment, are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with active psychosis, unstable bipolar disorder, imminent suicide risk, those past 25 weeks gestation, without a current PTSD diagnosis, or already enrolled in another evidence-based PTSD treatment are unlikely to benefit from this program.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This single-arm intervention provides weekly individual prolonged exposure therapy sessions for one hour over 12 weeks combined with financial incentives to encourage attendance. Participants complete assessment visits every four weeks during the 12-week period, and researchers will collect delivery information from medical records after birth. All enrolled participants who meet DSM-5 criteria for PTSD and are ≤25 weeks gestation receive the same PE+ intervention rather than being randomized. People on psychotropic medications must be on a stable dose for at least 14 days prior to enrollment, and individuals with active psychosis, unstable bipolar disorder, imminent suicide risk, or currently receiving another evidence-based PTSD treatment are excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, PE+ could reduce PTSD symptoms during pregnancy, improving maternal mental health and possibly pregnancy and birth outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Prolonged exposure is an established, effective PTSD therapy in nonpregnant adults and incentives have improved treatment attendance, but combining PE with incentives specifically in pregnant patients is not well studied.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Female * \>18 years old * Gestational age ≤ 25 weeks * Meet current DSM-5 posttraumatic stress disorder criteria based on the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 * Participants receiving psychotropic medications must be maintained on a stable dose for \>14 days prior to enrollment. Exclusion Criteria: * Male * Under 18 years old * Gestational age \> 25 weeks * No current diagnosis of PTSD * Current delusions or hallucinations, unstable bipolar disorder, imminent risk for suicide as assessed by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview * Enrolled in another ongoing evidence-based treatment for PTSD.
Where it's running
-
University of Vermont
Burlington, Vermont, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kelly Peck, PhD
- Email: kelly.peck@uvm.edu
- Phone: 802-656-9610
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.