Early Interventions for Postpartum PTSD

This study is looking at two early treatments for women who experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after childbirth. These treatments are Written Exposure Therapy (WET) and Capnometry-Guided Breathing Intervention (CGRI). WET involves 5 writing sessions, one in the hospital and four weekly video sessions. CGRI involves a hospital training session and then practicing guided breathing at home twice daily for 4 weeks. The study wants to see how many participants start and complete their assigned treatment, and how well they stick to Written Exposure Therapy. You might be able to join if you are a woman aged 18 or older, recently gave birth, experienced severe complications or your baby was in the NICU, and have a certain score on a PTSD symptom questionnaire (PCL-5 of 28 or higher). The study is currently unclear on its recruitment status and plans to enroll 70 participants.

Study design
This interventional study plans to enroll 70 women to compare two early interventions for postpartum PTSD.
What's involved
You would complete either 5 writing sessions (one in-hospital, four weekly video) or one in-hospital training session followed by 4 weeks of at-home breathing practice twice daily, with weekly phone check-ins.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your participation in the study will be measured from baseline (up to 2 weeks) to Week 6 for treatment initiation, completion, and adherence.

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NCT07342530

Early Intervention for Postpartum PTSD: Comparing Written Exposure and Capnometry-Guided Breathing Therapy

Recruiting
NAAges 18+InterventionalTreatment
Stanford University
~70 participants
Updated 2026-04-24 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Written Exposure Therapy (WET)Capnometry-Guided Breathing Intervention (CGRI)

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 2 listed sites are recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Percentage of participants initiating assigned treatment
Measured over Baseline (up to 2 weeks)
+6 more outcomes measured
Written Exposure Therapy
Breathing Techniques
PTSD (Childbirth-Related)
Postpartum Care
2 sites across 2 states
Arkansas1
California1
  • Pervez Sultan · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Stanford University
  • Debra Kaysen · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Stanford University

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

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

Active psychosis or mania
Current suicidal crisis
Current suicidal intent or plan
Cognitive impairment preventing participation
  • Percentage of participants initiating assigned treatmentBaseline (up to 2 weeks)

    Proportion of participants who begin their assigned intervention (≥1 session for WET; completion of initial training for CGRI)

  • Percentage of participants completing Written Exposure Therapy (WET)Baseline to Week 6
  • Percentage adherence to Written Exposure Therapy (WET)Baseline to Week 6
  • Percentage of participants completing Capnometry Guided Respiratory Intervention (CGRI)Baseline to Week 6
  • Percentage adherence to Capnometry Guided Respiratory Intervention (CGRI)Baseline to Week 6
  • Participant Satisfaction Scale Score using Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8)Week 5

    Participant satisfaction measured using the CSQ-8 questionaire, an 8-item scale. (Scale score 8 - 32. Higher scores represent greater satisfaction with treatment.)

  • Treatment credibility using the Opinion About Treatment (OAT) formWeek 5

    Participant perceptions of treatment credibility will be measured using the OAT form. (Scale score 3 - 27. Higher scores represent greater perceived credibility of the intervention.)