Online CBT Workshop for Postpartum Depression

Overseen By Nancy Lloyd, MSc

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: McMaster University

Disqualifiers: Current major depression, Bipolar, Psychotic, Borderline, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: 1 day

408 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the idea that Online CBT Workshop for Postpartum Depression is an effective treatment?

The available research shows that an online one-day workshop based on cognitive behavioral therapy can improve postpartum depression, anxiety, social support, the mother-infant relationship, and infant temperament. Participants in these workshops appreciate learning practical techniques and receiving social support, which suggests that this treatment is effective. Additionally, the workshops are seen as a low-intensity option that can help many people due to their accessibility and cost-effectiveness. Some participants even suggested that additional sessions could make the treatment even more effective. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

What safety data exists for online CBT workshops for postpartum depression?

The available research does not explicitly mention safety data for online CBT workshops for postpartum depression. However, studies indicate that these workshops are beneficial in improving symptoms of postpartum depression, anxiety, social support, and the mother-infant relationship. Participants have reported satisfaction with the workshops, appreciating the practical techniques and social support provided. There are no specific safety concerns mentioned, suggesting that the treatment is generally considered safe, but further studies focusing on safety data would be beneficial. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the online CBT workshop a promising treatment for postpartum depression?

Yes, the online CBT workshop is a promising treatment for postpartum depression. It helps improve symptoms like depression and anxiety, strengthens the mother-infant relationship, and provides social support. It's also accessible and can reach many people who need help. ^{1 2 4 5 6}

What is the purpose of this trial?

To conduct a randomized controlled trial (N=408) examining the impact of an online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)-based workshop on rates of postpartum depression (i.e., EPDS scores at 2-months postpartum) when added to treatment as usual (TAU) compared to TAU alone.

Research Team

Ryan Van Lieshout, MD, PhD

Principal Investigator

McMaster University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults over 18 in Ontario, Canada, who are in their third trimester of pregnancy but not currently experiencing a major depressive episode. Participants should have risk factors for postpartum depression such as low income, past depression or anxiety, recent major stress, single status, history of abuse, or low social support.

Inclusion Criteria

Currently in 3rd trimester of pregnancy (28-36 weeks gestation)

EPDS score >6

I have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder before.

Exclusion Criteria

Positive score on the MINI for a current major depressive episode

Positive score on the MINI subsections of bipolar, psychotic, or borderline personality disorder

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants attend a 1-day online CBT-based workshop in addition to receiving usual care

1 day

1 visit (online)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

3 months

Data collection at 1, 2, and 3 months postpartum

Data Collection

Data collection at baseline, 1, 2, and 3 months postpartum to assess various outcomes

3 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Online 1-Day CBT-Based Workshop

Trial Overview The study tests if an online one-day CBT-based workshop can reduce the rates of postpartum depression when added to usual treatment. It's a randomized controlled trial with half the participants receiving standard care and the other half also attending the workshop.

Participant Groups

Group I: Online 1-Day CBT-Based Workshop Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants assigned to the treatment arm will attend a day long CBT-based workshop delivered online by two trained facilitators in addition to receiving usual care.

Group II: Treatment as Usual Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants assigned to the control arm will continue to receive standard prenatal care from their healthcare providers.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

McMaster University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

936

Recruited

2,630,000+

Findings from Research

A one-day online workshop utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy significantly improved symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety, as well as enhancing social support and the mother-infant relationship.

This approach offers an efficient way to increase access to treatment for postpartum depression, suggesting it could be a valuable addition to standard care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

One-Day Workshop Beneficial for Postpartum Depression. Rosenberg, K.[2022]

A 1-day cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) workshop for postpartum depression (PPD) was found to be effective and valuable, providing participants with practical skills and social support, as reported by 189 participants (94 in-person and 95 online).

Participants expressed a desire for additional 'booster sessions' to reinforce learning and enhance satisfaction, indicating that while the workshop is beneficial, ongoing support could further improve outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mothers' and birthing parents' experiences with 1-day cognitive behavioural therapy-based workshops for postpartum depression: A descriptive qualitative study. Varambally, M., Layton, H., Jack, SM., et al.[2023]

A study evaluating preventive cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for postpartum depression (PPD) found that while the prevalence of PPD was higher in the risk group (5.5%) compared to the control group (2.2%), the difference was not statistically significant, indicating that CBT may not drastically reduce PPD rates in this population.

The therapy showed gradual improvement in mental health scores (OQ-45) during sessions, suggesting that brief CBT can be effective in reducing symptoms and preventing PPD, especially among women with higher education levels.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Brief cognitive behavioral therapy in pregnant women at risk of postpartum depression: Pre-post therapy study in a city in southern Brazil. Pinheiro, RT., Trettim, JP., de Matos, MB., et al.[2021]

A one-day cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) workshop significantly reduced postpartum depression (PPD) scores in 461 mothers and birthing parents, with participants showing three times higher odds of clinically significant improvement compared to those receiving treatment as usual.

The workshop also led to decreased anxiety and improved mother-infant relationships, while being cost-effective, suggesting it could be a valuable addition to perinatal care models.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

In-person 1-day cognitive behavioral therapy-based workshops for postpartum depression: a randomized controlled trial. Van Lieshout, RJ., Layton, H., Savoy, CD., et al.[2023]

A randomized controlled trial with 183 participants showed that a 9-week online group cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) led by peers significantly reduced postpartum depression (PPD) and anxiety symptoms, with improvements lasting for at least 3 months after the intervention.

The study also found enhancements in maternal social support and reductions in infant-focused anxiety and negative emotionality, suggesting that this peer-delivered approach could effectively increase access to treatment for PPD and benefit families overall.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Online peer-delivered group cognitive-behavioral therapy for postpartum depression: A randomized controlled trial. Merza, D., Amani, B., Savoy, C., et al.[2023]

A pilot study involving seven women showed that group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) delivered by public health nurses is feasible and acceptable for treating postpartum depression (PPD).

Participants experienced significant reductions in depression and worry, improved mother-infant relations, and decreased health care visits, indicating that this intervention could effectively alleviate the burden of PPD.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Public health nurse delivered group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for postpartum depression: A pilot study. Van Lieshout, RJ., Layton, H., Feller, A., et al.[2021]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

One-Day Workshop Beneficial for Postpartum Depression. [2022]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mothers' and birthing parents' experiences with 1-day cognitive behavioural therapy-based workshops for postpartum depression: A descriptive qualitative study. [2023]

3. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Brief cognitive behavioral therapy in pregnant women at risk of postpartum depression: Pre-post therapy study in a city in southern Brazil. [2021]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

In-person 1-day cognitive behavioral therapy-based workshops for postpartum depression: a randomized controlled trial. [2023]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Online peer-delivered group cognitive-behavioral therapy for postpartum depression: A randomized controlled trial. [2023]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Public health nurse delivered group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for postpartum depression: A pilot study. [2021]