A single day of online therapy could curb postpartum depression
NCT ID NCT05753176
First seen Aug 14, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026
Summary
This trial tests whether a one-day online workshop based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can reduce the risk of postpartum depression and anxiety. Pregnant women in their third trimester who have a history of depression but are not currently depressed will be randomly assigned to receive the workshop plus usual care, or usual care alone. The study will compare depression scores two months after childbirth to see if the workshop makes a meaningful difference.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- A one-day online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)-based workshop delivered in four modules by trained facilitators
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this brief online workshop could offer a scalable, accessible way to reduce postpartum depression and anxiety in at-risk women.
- What could go wrong
- This is a single trial, and the workshop may not significantly lower depression rates compared to usual care. Participation requires time and internet access, and results may not apply to all populations.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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412 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Nov 2022
- Finished
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Dec 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years of age or older * Currently residing in Ontario, Canada * Currently in 3rd trimester of pregnancy (28-36 weeks gestation) * EPDS score \>6 * Past history of major depressive disorder (determined using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) 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
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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
Locations
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McMaster University
Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L8, Canada
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