The Effect of Debriefing Intervention on Postpartum Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Consultation with the debriefing approach means structured conversation with someone who has recently been exposed with a stressful or traumatic or stressful incidents. Women who experience severe distress during the process of childbirth might develop postpartum post –traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). One of the most important complications of traumatic childbirth is postpartum depression. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of counseling with debriefing approach on postpartum post –traumatic stress symptoms. Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 70 postpartum women who experienced traumatic childbirth based on the DSM-5 [A] criteria in teaching hospitals affiliated to Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Using block randomization, the participants were assigned into a counselling session with debriefing approach within 24- 28 hours after childbirth for 90-180 minutes, before discharge from hospital. The control group received only routine postpartum care. Post-Traumatic Stress Check List (PCL-5) and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) were completed by the participants before intervention and 10-15 days and 4-6 weeks after intervention. Repeated Measure ANOVA was used to analyze the data. Results: The two groups were matching in terms of their demographic and obstetric –neonatal characteristics. The mean score of post- traumatic stress symptoms showed significant decrease in the intervention group compared to in the control group (adjusted mean difference=5.52; 95% CI: -10.23 to -8; p=.02). However, debriefing intervention had no significant effect on mean score of depression between groups (adjusted mean difference= -1.42; 95% CI: -3.65 to 1.8; p=0.2). Conclusion: Debriefing intervention decreased post-traumatic stress symptoms in mothers with traumatic childbirth. It is recommended to use this counseling approach in postpartum wars.