A Prospective Study of Postpartum Depression in Women With Major Depression

Stopped early

Conditions studied: Postpartum Depression

In brief

Background: \- Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious syndrome that resembles a major depressive episode and occurs in 10% to 20% of all mothers in the year following delivery. Women with histories of major depressive disorder (MDD) are at an increased risk for PPD and recurrent PPD with subsequent pregnancies. One possible genetic vulnerability to depression and PPD in particular is the BDNF gene. BDNF is a protein that affects the growth and development of brain cells, including those that help to regulate mood. BDNF levels have been shown to be significantly lower in individuals with depression, including women. Researchers are interested in studying BDNF levels and hormones such as estrogen in pregnant women who have MDD and are at risk for developing PPD. Objectives: \- To study connections between the BDNF protein and hormonal levels in pregnant women who are at risk for developing postpartum depression. Eligibility: \- Women who are currently pregnant and have a history of major depressive disorder, and either are taking a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or are not taking an antidepressant. Design: * This study involves six visits over the course of 12 months, during the first, second, and third trimesters (if possible) as well as 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postpartum. Women will be allowed to participate at any point during pregnancy, but researchers are most interested in recruiting women who are in the first trimester. * Participants will be screened with a physical examination and medical history, blood samples, and questionnaires about their history of depressive episodes. * At each visit, participants will complete a number of questionnaires on depression symptoms, such as sleep disturbance and stress levels. Participants will also provide blood samples for hormone and other testing. * Participants who become depressed during the study will be referred to a treating psychiatrist or other professional for appropriate care and treatment.

Key facts

Study ID
NCT01328613
Run by
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
People needed
85
Starts
2007-11-09
Expected to finish
2014-09-29
Last updated by the study team
2019-12-04

Who can join

Age: 18 and older. Sex: female. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may not qualify if…

Where it is running

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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