Early Intervention for Postpartum PTSD: Comparing Written Exposure and Capnometry-Guided Breathing Therapy - Phase 1
Key facts
- Who runs it
- Stanford University
- Where
- Little Rock and Palo Alto, United StatesSee the 2 sites
- Trial code
- Status
- Recruiting
- People taking part
- 10 people, planned
- Started
- 9 Mar 2026
- Expected to end
- Mar 2027
- Type of study
- Interventional, 2 groups
- Treatments tested
- Written Exposure Therapy (WET)
- Capnometry-Guided Breathing Intervention (CGRI)
- Record updated
- 13 November 2026
Who can take part
- Age
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers
- Cannot take part
The registry criteria, word for word
Show all 10 criteriaShow less
Who can take part
- 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
Who cannot take part
- Cognitive impairment preventing participation
- Active psychosis or mania
- Current suicidal crisis
- Current suicidal intent or plan
Where in United States
- University of Arkansas for Medical SciencesLittle Rock, United StatesContact: Heather MoodyTaking people
- Stanford UniversityPalo Alto, United StatesNo longer taking part
About the trial
What the trial wants to find out
The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of two early interventions, Written Exposure Therapy (WET) and Capnometry-Guided Breathing Intervention (CGRI), for reducing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms following childbirth. This initial non-randomized pilot study aims to identify potential barriers and inform refinements to the interventions and study procedures for a subsequent randomized feasibility trial.
The 2 groups in the trial
- Written Exposure Therapy (WET)Treatment being tested
Participants will complete 5 writing sessions. One 50-minute session will be held in the hospital before discharge, followed by four 50-minute sessions by secure video once a week. Sessions are delivered by a trained study therapist under licensed clinician supervision.
- Capnometry-Guided Breathing Intervention (CGRI)Treatment being tested
Participants will complete one 45-minute in-hospital training session using the device, which includes a tablet and breathing sensor. They will then practice guided breathing at home twice daily for about 17 minutes each time for 4 weeks, with weekly phone check-ins from study staff.
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations
Print a page for my doctorData and sources
- Registry record
- Listed on ClinicalTrials.gov.
- Official title
- Early Intervention for Postpartum PTSD: Comparing Written Exposure and Capnometry Guided Breathing Therapy - Phase 1
- Record updated
- 13 November 2026