Helping women cope with depression after losing a baby
Official title: IPT for major depression following perinatal loss
Funded at Michigan State University · NIH-10892190 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help women who have gone through the heartbreak of losing a baby and are dealing with depression by testing a special therapy designed just for them, which focuses on their unique feelings and challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | August 7, 2020 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $623,828 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD100471-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10892190 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women who have recently experienced perinatal loss and are experiencing symptoms of major depressive disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced perinatal loss or those who do not have symptoms of depression may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on women who have experienced perinatal loss, such as miscarriage or stillbirth, and are suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD). It aims to develop and test a structured treatment using interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) principles tailored specifically for this population. The approach addresses the unique emotional challenges faced by these women, including grief, social support, and feelings of guilt. By providing a manualized treatment that can be used by various healthcare providers, the research seeks to improve mental health outcomes for these women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide effective therapeutic options for women struggling with depression after perinatal loss, potentially improving their mental health and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pilot studies have shown promise in using IPT for treating depression in this specific context, indicating a potential for success in this larger research effort.
Where this research is happening
-
Michigan State University
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johnson, Jennifer E — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Johnson, Jennifer E
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.