Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Postpartum Depression and Anxiety

Overseen By Ryan Van Lieshout, MD, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: McMaster University

Disqualifiers: Bipolar, Psychotic, Borderline, Substance use

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

Duration: 10 weeks

48 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests an online therapy program designed to help new mothers and birthing parents manage postpartum depression and anxiety. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a 10-week group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) session in addition to their usual care or to continue with their usual care alone. The study seeks mothers and birthing parents in Ontario who have depression or anxiety symptoms and a baby under 12 months old. The goal is to determine if this online therapy is practical and beneficial for those facing these challenges. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to valuable research that could enhance mental health support for new parents.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems likely that you can continue your usual medications, as the study involves therapy in addition to usual postnatal care.

What prior data suggests that this therapy is safe for postpartum depression and anxiety?

Research has shown that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a safe treatment for postpartum depression and anxiety. Studies have found that individuals generally tolerate online CBT well, with most experiencing no adverse reactions. CBT, a type of talking therapy, has been safely used for various mental health issues. Since it doesn't involve medication, it typically has fewer side effects than drug treatments.

One study focused on online CBT for postpartum issues and found it improved symptoms without causing harm. Participants in these studies often report feeling better after the sessions. Overall, CBT is considered a safe and effective option for those dealing with postpartum depression and anxiety. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for postpartum depression and anxiety because it's a hands-on approach that targets both conditions simultaneously. Unlike standard treatments, which often involve medication like antidepressants, this CBT method is a non-drug option that empowers new mothers with coping skills. The treatment is delivered in a supportive group setting by trained professionals, which can enhance social support and engagement while addressing the unique psychological needs during the postpartum period.

What evidence suggests that this treatment might be an effective treatment for postpartum depression and anxiety?

Research shows that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) effectively treats postpartum depression and anxiety. Studies have found that CBT can greatly improve symptoms in mothers facing these issues. For instance, one study discovered that a short online CBT workshop led to major improvements in postpartum depression. Another study showed that CBT is helpful for depression during and after pregnancy, especially for low-income women. In this trial, participants in the experimental group will receive a 10-week transdiagnostic group CBT intervention. These findings suggest that CBT can be an important treatment option for mental health challenges after childbirth. ^{1 2 4 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for mothers and birthing parents over 18, living in Ontario with an infant under 12 months who are experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety. Participants must have access to the internet for online sessions.

Inclusion Criteria

I am over 18, have a baby under 1 year, speak English, live in Ontario, and have high scores on depression or anxiety scales.

Exclusion Criteria

Free of bipolar disorder

Free of psychotic disorder

Free of borderline personality disorder

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

1 visit (virtual)

Treatment

Participants receive a 10-week online transdiagnostic group CBT intervention

10 weeks

Weekly online sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

6 months

2 visits (virtual)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Postpartum Depression (PPD) and Anxiety

Trial Overview The study tests a 10-week online group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) program led by mental health professionals. Participants will either receive this CBT along with their usual postnatal care or just the usual care, decided randomly.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: 10-week Transdiagnostic Group CBT Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The experimental group will receive a 10-week transdiagnostic group CBT intervention delivered by a pair of trained mental health providers (psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses and/or registered psychotherapists) in addition to receiving treatment as usual.

Group II: Control - usual care Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants randomized to the No Intervention group will continue to receive treatment as usual (standard postnatal care). A list of resources will be emailed.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

McMaster University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

936

Recruited

2,630,000+

Citations

1. jamanetwork.com jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2784108

Effect of Online 1-Day Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ... In this randomized clinical trial of 403 mothers, online 1-day CBT-based workshops led to clinically and statistically significant improvements in PPD and ...

2. samhsa.gov samhsa.gov/

Home | SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health ... SAMHSA leads efforts to advance behavioral health across the U.S., offering resources for mental health, substance use, and community well-being.

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11989130/

The Effects of Online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on ... Background/Objectives: Postpartum depression seriously affects the safety and health of mothers and children. Online cognitive behavioral therapy is ...

4. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0272735822000149

Effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for perinatal ... Overall, CBT is effective for perinatal maternal depression, anxiety and stress. · CBT-only is effective for perinatal depression in low-income women. · Partner- ...

5. bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-023-04547-9

Effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy-based ... Although existing evidence suggests cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) based interventions are effective for perinatal depression, less is known ...

6. formative.jmir.org formative.jmir.org/2022/9/e37216

Transdiagnostic Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral ... Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum anxiety (PPA) are often comorbid and are associated with significant personal and ...

7. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666915321001219

Group cognitive-behavioural therapy for perinatal anxiety ... Background: Anxiety disorders are common during the perinatal period (pregnancy and up to 12 months postpartum) and may have a negative impact on maternal, ...