Preventing depression in new parents with a history of childhood trauma
Official title: Prevention of Perinatal Depression in Birthing People with a History of Adverse Childhood Experiences: A Type 2 Effectiveness Implementation Trial
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10929508 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to help expectant parents who have faced tough times in their childhood by providing extra mental health support during their pregnancy, especially in the last few months, to ensure both they and their baby stay healthy and happy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $240,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R34MH130969-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10929508 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are birthing individuals aged 21 and older who are in their third trimester and have a history of adverse childhood experiences.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of adverse childhood experiences or are not in their third trimester may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on preventing perinatal depression in individuals who have experienced adverse childhood events. It utilizes a collaborative care model to integrate mental health support into obstetric care, specifically through an evidence-based program called ROSE. By addressing the mental health needs of birthing individuals during their third trimester, the study aims to improve both maternal and child health outcomes. Participants will receive tailored interventions designed to mitigate the effects of their past experiences on their current mental health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of perinatal depression, leading to healthier outcomes for both parents and their children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using collaborative care models to address mental health issues in similar populations, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fisher, Sheehan David — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Fisher, Sheehan David
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Couples-based approach to prevent perinatal depression in rural India
A new, family-focused program helps new mothers and their husbands address perinatal depression in rural India using trained lay counselors.
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Couples-based approach to prevent perinatal depression in rural India
A pilot program in rural India tests a couples-based, lay-counselor–delivered approach to prevent perinatal depression for new mothers and their partners.
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Machine learning to tailor and prevent perinatal depression for pregnant and new mothers
A machine learning project at Carnegie Mellon aims to find personalized, scalable ways to prevent perinatal depression in pregnant people and new mothers.
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Online sleep therapy to prevent depression during and after pregnancy
This project will see whether an online cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia can help prevent depression during pregnancy and in the first year after childbirth for pregnant people with insomnia.
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Understanding how gut and body signals interact to influence perinatal depression
A study of pregnant people exploring how the gut microbiome and body signals contribute to depression during and after pregnancy.
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Couples program to prevent depression during pregnancy and after birth in rural India
A couples-based program to help first-time pregnant women and their partners in rural India lower the chance of depression during pregnancy and after childbirth.
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.