Postpartum depression study launched at McMaster University in Hamilton

McMaster University is accepting participants in a study to see if cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) in the third trimester can prevent post-partum depression.

The study aims to see if a one-day CBT workshop late in pregnancy can stave off post-partum depression at one, two and three months after birth. Participants will be split into two groups. The first is a control group which will receive standard care.

The second group will participate in the CBT workshop via Zoom within a month of enrolling in the study. Groups will be randomly assigned and participants are unable to switch. Both groups will complete a survey four times, on enrollment and at one, two, and three months postpartum.

The survey will ask about demographic information and assess depressive symptoms, perceived quality of life, anxiety symptoms, the relationship between mother and child, and the infant’s temperament. On enrollment, participants will also take part in a 20 to 25-minute structured interview over the phone. Each survey will take about 10 to 15 minutes to finish. Each time one is completed the participant will receive a $20 Wal-Mart gift card.

Eligible participants must;

• be 18 years of age or older
• be in the third trimester of pregnancy, between 28 and 36 weeks along
• live in Ontario, Canada, and
• have had a major depressive episode in the past

However, participants must not be found to be currently suffering a major depressive episode. This is determined in an over-the-phone interview using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview.

Anyone interested in participating can fill out an online form, which asks for birthdate, gestational age, due date, and a brief questionnaire of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.