Storytelling therapy to prevent PTSD after heart surgery
Part of Mental health clinical trials.
This study tests whether a special therapy called narrative exposure—where you talk through your surgery experience with a trained counselor—can help prevent PTSD (post-traumatic stress) in people recovering from heart surgery in the ICU. The goal is to help you process what happened so you feel less distressed afterward.
Summary written for real people, not researchers, by Clin2.
Who can take part
- You are 18 years or older
- You are scheduled for heart surgery that uses a heart-lung machine (cardiopulmonary bypass) and will stay in the ICU for more than 24 hours
- You can communicate clearly and you and your family agree to participate
- After surgery, you are awake, alert, and able to participate in the therapy and assessments
- You have not experienced a major traumatic event in the past year (such as a serious diagnosis or death of a close family member)
- You are not currently being treated for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or other mental health conditions
Quick eligibility check
Answer a few plain-language questions, based on this study's own requirements, to get a preliminary sense of fit.
Similar studies
Other trials that look related to this one.
This study tests if early therapy sessions with a loved one can help prevent PTSD after a burn injury. It's for people who were recently hospitalized for burns and are at risk for PTSD.
This study compares two talking therapies for PTSD after a cardiac arrest. One combines mindfulness and acceptance with gradual exposure to difficult memories; the other focuses on present life challenges. Both aim to reduce distress and improve quality of life.
This study tests whether cognitive behavioral therapy (a type of talk therapy) can improve heart health in people with PTSD. If you have PTSD and are at risk for or have heart disease, you may be able to join.
This study tests whether listening to a guided meditation recording before and after heart surgery can help reduce stress and improve recovery. It is for adults having their first open-heart surgery and who are not taking certain medications or have conditions that affect stress hormones.
This study tests whether therapeutic play—guided activities designed to help children feel comfortable—can reduce anxiety before heart surgery in children ages 0–12. Reducing pre-surgery anxiety may help children recover better and have fewer complications.
This study tests whether adding mindfulness-based nursing care before and after open heart surgery can help reduce patients' anxiety. If you are scheduled for elective open heart surgery and can understand Turkish, this may be a good fit for you.
Hear when a new Cardiopulmonary Bypass trial opens
We’ll email you when one opens — at most once a week, no account needed, unsubscribe anytime.