Fast Facts
Less Than 25 Weeks Pregnant
History Of Traumatic Experiences & Current PTSD Symptoms
Compensation
Provided
Remote in Texas
Study Background
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for Perinatal Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during pregnancy is a growing concern, as it can significantly impact both maternal health and infant development. Despite the effectiveness of cognitive processing therapy (CPT) in treating PTSD, it has not been studied in pregnant populations. Researchers at UT Austin are conducting a virtual study to examine the effectiveness of two versions of CPT— a traditional 12-week course and an intensive 1-week “massed” format—on reducing PTSD and depression symptoms during pregnancy. This study also seeks to understand how these treatments may affect a mother’s ability to bond and attach with her infant after birth.
Women across Texas who are less than 25 weeks pregnant and have been diagnosed with PTSD are invited to participate. Eligible participants will complete an online screening questionnaire, followed by a virtual screening visit. They will then be randomly assigned to either the weekly or intensive therapy schedule, all conducted remotely, and will also attend a postpartum follow-up visit. By evaluating how timing and delivery of CPT affect maternal mental health and bonding, this research could lead to more effective, accessible treatment options for pregnant women experiencing PTSD.
Study Background
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for Perinatal Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during pregnancy is a growing concern, as it can significantly impact both maternal health and infant development. Despite the effectiveness of cognitive processing therapy (CPT) in treating PTSD, it has not been studied in pregnant populations. Researchers at UT Austin are conducting a virtual study to examine the effectiveness of two versions of CPT— a traditional 12-week course and an intensive 1-week “massed” format—on reducing PTSD and depression symptoms during pregnancy. This study also seeks to understand how these treatments may affect a mother’s ability to bond and attach with her infant after birth.
Women across Texas who are less than 25 weeks pregnant and have been diagnosed with PTSD are invited to participate. Eligible participants will complete an online screening questionnaire, followed by a virtual screening visit. They will then be randomly assigned to either the weekly or intensive therapy schedule, all conducted remotely, and will also attend a postpartum follow-up visit. By evaluating how timing and delivery of CPT affect maternal mental health and bonding, this research could lead to more effective, accessible treatment options for pregnant women experiencing PTSD.
Additional Information
This study is being done to evaluate how two different versions of cognitive processing therapy affect PTSD and depression symptoms during pregnancy, as well as maternal bonding with the infant.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Less than 25 weeks pregnant
- Have a history of exposure to at least one traumatic experience
- Actively experiencing symptoms of PTSD
- Have reliable internet access to participate in study visits
- Ages 18-46
Exclusion Criteria:
- Diagnosis of bipolar disorder or psychotic disorder
- Currently misusing substances (such as alcohol, opiates, marijuana, cocaine)
- Using benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, others) regularly (over 4 times a week)
- Have had psychiatric medication changes within the last 2 weeks
If you participate in this study, here’s what you can expect:
Screening and First Study Visit:
You’ll begin by completing an online screening questionnaire.
If eligible, you’ll be scheduled for a virtual Visit 1.
During this visit, we will review and sign the consent form, collect basic demographic and reproductive health information, and have you complete two electronic questionnaires.
You’ll then participate in a structured clinical interview to assess your mental health history, which will help determine if you’re eligible to continue in the study.
Therapy Phase:
If eligible, you will be randomly assigned to one of two therapy formats:
Conventional CPT: One 60-minute session per week for 12 weeks
Intensive CPT: Two 60-minute sessions per day over 5 consecutive days
All sessions will be held virtually via Zoom.
You will be asked to complete CPT homework (worksheets) between sessions.
You’ll complete online questionnaires about your PTSD and depression symptoms at 1, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks after starting therapy.
Postpartum Follow-Up:
At 3 months postpartum, you’ll record a 3–5 minute video of yourself interacting with your baby in a natural way at home.
This video will be securely shared with the research team and reviewed by trained coders.
You will also complete two electronic questionnaires about your birth experience and how attached you feel to your baby.
Your participation will span from early-to-mid pregnancy through 3 months after delivery, and all parts of the study will be conducted virtually.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.