Therapy for mothers with PTSD and their young children

Can Clinician Assisted Videofeedback Exposure Approach Therapy (CAVEAT) Help Post-traumatically Stressed Mothers Change Their Mind About Their Toddlers?

NA · University of Lausanne Hospitals · NCT05927324

This study is testing a new therapy program for mothers with PTSD to see if it helps them connect better with their young children.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment24 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Lausanne Hospitals (other)
Locations1 site (Lausanne, Canton of Vaud)
Trial IDNCT05927324 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the feasibility of a 16-session psychotherapy program called Clinician-Assisted Videofeedback Exposure-Approach Therapy (CAVEAT) designed for mothers who have experienced interpersonal violence and are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The therapy integrates evidence-based techniques such as Modified Interaction Guidance and Prolonged Exposure Therapy to help mothers improve their emotional regulation and sensitivity during interactions with their infants and young children. The trial will involve a small group of 10 to 12 participants at a Swiss public hospital, focusing on the therapeutic impact on both mothers and their children aged 1 to 5 years. The study aims to assess the practicality of this approach in a clinical setting.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are biological mothers of infants and young children aged 12 to 54 months who have experienced interpersonal violence.

Not a fit: Patients who are actively psychotic, substance-abusing, or have physical or mental handicaps that hinder participation will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly improve the mental health and parenting skills of mothers with PTSD, leading to better outcomes for both mothers and their children.

How similar studies have performed: While this specific approach is novel, it builds on established evidence-based techniques that have shown success in related therapeutic contexts.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Biological mothers of infants and young children ages 12-54 months
* Mothers and infants have lived together most of the child's life from the time of birth

Exclusion Criteria:

* Actively psychotic or substance-abusing mothers;
* Mothers and/or children who are physically or mentally handicapped so as to prevent adequate participation in required research tasks

Where this trial is running

Lausanne, Canton of Vaud

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Interpersonal Violence, PTSD, Women, Infants and Children, Attachment

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.