Treating Mom's depression may help Baby's brain
NCT ID NCT05269732
First seen Jul 15, 2026 · Last updated Jul 16, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looks at whether online group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for mothers with postpartum depression can improve their baby's ability to regulate emotions. The trial involves 172 mothers and their infants (4-12 months old) in Ontario. Mothers receive either CBT plus usual care or usual care alone. Researchers measure infant temperament, brain activity, and mother-infant bonding to see if treating depression helps the baby.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) delivered online
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could show that treating a mother's postpartum depression helps her baby regulate emotions better, potentially improving long-term development.
- What could go wrong
- This is a relatively small study, and the benefits for infants may be modest or not last. The results depend on mothers completing the therapy and may not apply to all families.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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McMaster University
Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L8, Canada
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