Overview

This single-blind waitlist randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the efficacy of a single-session behavioral intervention composed of a brief evocation of the childbirth memory followed by a visuospatial task (the computer game "Tetris"), on childbirth-related intrusive traumatic memories (CB-ITM) and other childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD) symptoms. Women who report CB-ITM after 6 weeks postpartum can be included in the study. Participants will be randomly allocated to either the immediate treatment (IT) group or to the waitlist (WL) group.

Women in the IT group will first report their CB-ITM in a daily diary during 2 weeks (diary 1). On the 15th day, they will meet a psychologist to receive the single-session behavioral intervention. They will then complete a daily diary during the 2 weeks post-intervention (diary 2) and during the 5th and 6th weeks post-intervention (diary 3).

Women in the WL group will report their CB-ITM continuously during 4 weeks in diary 1 and 2 before receiving the same intervention on the 30th day. They will also complete a last diary during the 2 weeks post-intervention (diary 3).

It is expected that women in the immediate treatment group (IT group) will have fewer CB-ITM in diary 2, in comparison to the WL group, for which we expect no significant change in the number of CB-ITM between diary 1 and 2.

This study will contribute to the development of a single-session behavioral intervention to reduce CB-ITMs and other CB-PTSD symptoms, which would reduce the distress experienced by mothers and may improve the well-being of the whole family.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• Signed written consent
• Gave birth in one of the study centres
• Gave birth to a live baby
• Had at least 4 CB-ITM over the past two weeks
• Childbirth happened at least 6 weeks ago

Exclusion Criteria:

• Is not fluent enough in French to participate in the assessments
• Life-threatening illness of mother or infant
• Has an established intellectual disability or a psychotic illness
• Takes propranolol medication
• Alcohol and/or illicit drug abuse
• Is not able to distinguish ITM linked to other traumatic events from CB-ITM targeted during the intervention
• Has an ongoing psychological treatment in relation to her childbirth experience
• Is under 18 years old