Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Postpartum Depression

Overseen By Ryan J Van Lieshout, MD, PhD

Age: Any Age

Sex: Male

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: 2

Duration: 9 weeks

48 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests whether a 9-week online group therapy called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can assist fathers or dads-to-be experiencing depression during their partner's pregnancy or after their baby is born. The goal is to determine if this therapy, when added to usual care, is practical and effective for managing depression symptoms. Participants will either receive the therapy in addition to their usual care or continue with their usual care alone. The trial seeks fathers or dads-to-be living in Ontario who feel down or depressed during their partner's pregnancy or within the first 18 months of their child's life. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to explore new ways to support mental health during a crucial life stage.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems you can continue with your usual care, which might include your current medications.

What prior data suggests that cognitive behavioural therapy is safe for treating paternal perinatal depression?

Research shows that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is generally well-received by most people. CBT, a type of talking therapy, has undergone extensive study. Some research focuses on its use for depression in new and expecting parents. These studies indicate that CBT can effectively and safely reduce depression symptoms during this time.

No serious negative side effects have been commonly reported with CBT, suggesting it is a safe option for many. Unlike medications, CBT does not carry the same risk of physical side effects. It is a non-invasive therapy, meaning it does not involve surgery or drugs.

In summary, CBT is a well-researched therapy that is generally safe and well-tolerated, especially for those experiencing depression around the time of having a baby. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for postpartum depression because it offers a structured, supportive environment that standard individual therapy often lacks. Unlike typical treatments, which may include medication or one-on-one counseling, this group setting encourages shared experiences and mutual support among new parents. Additionally, the involvement of both a psychiatrist and a public health nurse ensures comprehensive care, addressing both mental health and practical parenting challenges. This approach could foster quicker recovery by building a community of understanding and resilience.

What evidence suggests that cognitive behavioural therapy might be an effective treatment for paternal perinatal depression?

Research shows that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) effectively treats depression around the time of childbirth. Studies indicate that CBT reduces feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress in new parents, including fathers. In this trial, participants in the experimental group will undergo a 9-week group CBT intervention, which previous studies have found promising. Online CBT sessions have also significantly improved depression after childbirth. These findings suggest that CBT can be a useful treatment for fathers dealing with depression during this time. Overall, the evidence supports CBT as a promising way to improve mental health during this important period. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for fathers or non-birthing parents in Ontario who feel depressed during their partner's pregnancy or within the first 18 months of their child's life. Participants must be experiencing symptoms of depression and can have a partner who is currently pregnant or recently had a baby.

Inclusion Criteria

Non-birthing individuals identifying as fathers-to-be (i.e., have a pregnant partner) or fathers with an infant <18 months at recruitment

Fluent in written/spoken English

EPDS score ≥9

Exclusion Criteria

Free of psychotic disorder

Free of bipolar 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

Treatment

Participants receive a 9-week group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) intervention delivered by a psychiatrist and a public health nurse

9 weeks

Weekly online group sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including structured telephone interviews and online questionnaires

6 months

2 follow-up assessments (T2 and T3)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Paternal Perinatal Depression

Trial Overview The study tests if group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), led by a psychiatrist and nurse, helps with paternal perinatal depression. It's a 9-week online program where half the participants are randomly chosen to receive CBT along with usual care, while the other half receives only usual care.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: 9-Week Group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The experimental group will receive a 9-week group CBT intervention delivered by a psychiatrist and a public health nurse 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 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. 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. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10052839/

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

3. 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- ...

4. 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 ...

5. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2227-9032/13/7/696

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 ...

6. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519070/

Perinatal Depression - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf Perinatal depression is a mood disorder that affects individuals during pregnancy or within 1 year after childbirth. According to the Diagnostic 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, ...