An Adjunctive Neurofeedback Training Program to Enhance Wellness Among Trauma-Exposed Postpartum Mothers

Launched by WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY · Sep 19, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a special training program called neurofeedback, which aims to improve the overall well-being of mothers who have experienced trauma, especially those who have had difficult childhoods. The researchers want to see if this program helps these mothers manage their emotions better, reduces symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and positively impacts their parenting behaviors and their baby's behavior. The study is looking for mothers who are between 3 and 24 months postpartum, have concerning symptoms of PTSD, and are currently receiving therapy.

To participate, mothers must not be pregnant, have a significant untreated mental illness, or any serious neurological conditions. They should also be able to understand and consent to the study. If eligible, participants can expect to engage in the neurofeedback training in a supportive outpatient setting, where they will learn techniques to enhance their mental health and parenting skills. This trial is currently recruiting participants in the Greater Detroit area, and it is an opportunity for mothers to work on their well-being while receiving professional support.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Must have clinically concerning symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and/or it's dissociative sub-type, as indicated by either a score of 3+ on the Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5) screening measure for PTSD symptoms OR endorsement of 2 or more past-month symptoms of moderate or greater severity on the depersonalization/derealization subscale of the Dissociative Subtype of PTSD Scale (DSPS).
• • Must be between 3-24 months postpartum
• • Must be receiving regular, primarily in-person psychotherapy from a therapist at a clinic in the Greater Detroit area.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Are currently pregnant
• • Have a lifetime history of significant untreated mental illness (not currently treated schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, or substance use disorder) or neurological or pervasive developmental disorder
• • Have a documented history of epilepsy
• • Have ever experienced previous head injury with loss of consciousness
• • Are currently experiencing domestic or intimate partner violence or otherwise state that their current living conditions are unsafe
• • Are currently experiencing psychosis or have been suicidal within the last six months
• • Are currently taking, or in the past month has taken benzodiazepines, narcotic drugs, or cannabis
• • Have engaged in self-harming behaviors in the last 3 months requiring medical attention
• • Do not have competence to understand or consent to the study procedures
• • Do not have fluency in written and spoken English