Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Procedural Anxiety in High-Risk Pregnancies

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

+2 other locations

Overseen ByAllison Dempsey, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Female

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: University of Colorado, Denver

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?The goals of this study are to determine the feasibility and efficacy of a brief, single-session cognitive-behavioral intervention for reducing preoperative and postoperative anxiety and for determining satisfaction with the delivery process in pregnant women scheduled for Cesarean delivery due to complications with their pregnancy. This will be done through a combination of psychoeducation and exposure therapy, where the participants will be walked through the steps of a Cesarean delivery in an operating room that mimics where the patient would actually be delivering. Follow-up will occur during the immediate and extended postpartum periods to determine satisfaction and levels of anxiety.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for pregnant women with high-risk pregnancies due to fetal complications, who are scheduled for Cesarean deliveries. It aims to help those experiencing significant anxiety about the procedure.

Inclusion Criteria

Fetal Anomaly/Complication

Planned Cesarean Delivery

Exclusion Criteria

Delivery planned at outside hospital

Participant Groups

The study tests a single-session cognitive-behavioral intervention against usual care. The intervention includes psychoeducation and exposure therapy, simulating the steps of a Cesarean delivery in an operating room setting.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Usual CareExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants randomized to the Care as Usual condition will receive the typical standard of care that is offered in the center. This involves the anesthesiologist meeting with the patient during a delivery planning meeting to provide patients with the opportunity to review anesthetic technique and ask questions.

Group II: Exposure InterventionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants randomized to receive the Exposure Intervention will be scheduled to come to clinic for a 1-hour session for the intervention. During this time, they will receive psychoeducation and behavioral exposure to the Cesarean section procedure.