Purpose: To evaluate whether severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a risk factor for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Severe PPH can be experienced as a traumatic event. PTSD leads to negative mental health effects. Knowing risk factors for PTSD during childbirth offers opportunities for early interventions, which may prevent the development of PTSD.

Background: Previous studies using candidate gene and genome-wide approaches have identified epigenetic changes in DNA methylation (DNAm) associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Repetitive negative thought plays an important role in the maintenance of mental health problems following bereavement. To date, researchers have primarily focused on rumination (i.e., repetitive thought about negative events and/or negative emotions) following loss, yet the interest in worry (i.e., repetitive thought about uncertain future events) is increasing. Both cognitive processes potentially lead to poorer adaptation to bereavement by contributing to loss-related avoidance and behavioral avoidance of activities.

Background: Displaced victims of interpersonal violence, such as refugees, asylum seekers, and victims of sexual exploitation, are growing in numbers, and are often suffering from a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). At the same time these victims are known to benefit less from trauma-focused therapy, and to be less compliant to treatment. This paper describes the rationale and research protocol of an ongoing trial.