CBT Workshop for Postpartum Depression

Overseen By Ryan Van Lieshout, MD, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: McMaster University

Disqualifiers: Bipolar, Psychotic, Substance use, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

Duration: 1 day

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if a one-day online workshop using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can improve postpartum depression (PPD) more effectively than standard care alone. Public health nurses guide the workshop, which may also help manage related issues and lessen the impact on families. Participants will either attend the CBT workshop in addition to their usual postnatal care or continue with their usual care only. The trial seeks new moms with babies less than a year old who are fluent in English. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative care options for postpartum depression.

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's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.

What prior data suggests that this CBT workshop is safe for postpartum depression?

Research has shown that 1-day cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) workshops for postpartum depression are generally safe and well-tolerated. Studies have found that these workshops can significantly reduce depression symptoms. Participants in past trials reported high satisfaction and found the workshops helpful. No major negative effects were reported, indicating the treatment's safety. This suggests that the online version of the workshop, led by public health nurses, is likely safe as well. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the 1-Day Cognitive Behavioural Therapy-Based Workshop for postpartum depression because it offers a unique approach compared to traditional treatments like antidepressants or ongoing therapy sessions. This workshop is delivered in just one day and is conducted online, making it accessible and convenient for new mothers who may struggle with time constraints. Additionally, the workshop is led by trained public health nurses, providing professional support in a format that can be more flexible than weekly in-person therapy sessions. This novel delivery method could make psychological support more attainable for many, potentially improving mental health outcomes for new mothers.

What evidence suggests that the 1-Day CBT-Based Workshop is effective for postpartum depression?

Research has shown that online 1-day Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) workshops can significantly aid in managing postpartum depression (PPD). One study with 403 mothers demonstrated noticeable improvements in PPD symptoms, indicating that many mothers experienced genuine relief. Traditional in-person 1-day CBT workshops have also proven effective, suggesting that online versions are similarly beneficial. In this trial, participants in the experimental arm will attend an online 1-day CBT-based workshop, which teaches skills to manage negative thoughts and feelings, potentially enhancing mental health in new mothers. This evidence supports the idea that a 1-day CBT workshop could be a valuable tool for those dealing with PPD. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Ryan Vann Lieshout, MD, PhD

Principal Investigator

McMaster University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals who are at least 18 years old, have a baby under one year of age, and can communicate fluently in English. It's specifically designed to help those suffering from postpartum depression (PPD). People with bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, or substance use disorders cannot participate.

Inclusion Criteria

I have a baby who is under 12 months old.

Fluent in written and spoken English

Exclusion Criteria

Current substance use disorder

Current psychotic disorder

I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

1 visit (virtual)

Treatment

Participants in the experimental group attend a 1-day online CBT-based workshop delivered by public health nurses, in addition to receiving usual care

1 day

1 visit (online)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in postpartum depression and related outcomes at 3 and 6 months post-treatment

6 months

2 visits (virtual)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• 1-Day Cognitive Behavioural Therapy-Based Workshop

Trial Overview The study tests if a single-day Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) workshop led by Public Health Nurses can improve PPD symptoms more effectively than usual care alone. Participants will be randomly placed into two groups: one attending the CBT workshop and the other receiving standard postnatal care.

How Is the Trial Designed?

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 public health nurses 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 postnatal care from their healthcare providers.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

McMaster University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

936

Recruited

2,630,000+

Citations

1. 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.

2. 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 ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10600825/

In-person 1-day cognitive behavioral therapy-based ... Postpartum depression (PPD) affects up to one in five mothers and birthing parents, yet as few as 10% access evidence-based treatment. One-day cognitive ...

4. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04485000

Online 1-Day CBT-Based Workshops for PPD | ... The purpose of this study is to a assess if self-referred, online adaptation of a 1-Day Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)-Based Workshop for PPD delivered up ...

5. psychiatrist.com psychiatrist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/public-health-nurse-delivered-1-day-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-based-workshops-treating-postpartum-depression-24m15712.pdf

public-health-nurse-delivered-1-day-cognitive-behavioral- ... Methods: Birthing parents ≥18 years old with an infant <12 months old, living in. Ontario, Canada, with an Edinburgh. Postnatal Depression Scale ...

6. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03654261

NCT03654261 | 1-Day CBT Workshops for PPD A previously validated 1-day CBT workshop has been adapted for depression for use with women experiencing PPD and living in the community.

7. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0266613825000385

Birthing parents' perceptions of an online peer-delivered 1 ... Most participants were satisfied with the peer-led cognitive-behavioural therapy-based workshop and described multiple strengths related to the peers' delivery ...