Accelerated theta burst treatment for postpartum depression

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the feasibility and tolerability of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for women suffering from postpartum depression. Participants will undergo either 10 sessions per day over 6 days or 12 sessions per day over 5 days to assess the antidepressant effects of these treatment schedules. The goal is to determine if a shorter treatment duration is more acceptable and effective for this population compared to traditional longer protocols. The study aims to gather data that could inform larger future trials.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Participants must be able to provide informed consent and function at an intellectual level sufficient to allow accurate completion of all assessment instruments.
2. Participants must be over the age of 18.
3. Participants must meet criteria for post-partum depression: a) onset of symptoms in the first year postpartum
4. Participants must have a HRSD17 greater than or equal to 14 at baseline.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Participants must not be pregnant.
2. Participants must not meet moderate or severe use disorder of any substance with the exception of Tobacco Use Disorder.
3. Participants must not have current psychotic symptoms.
4. Participants must not have a history of dementia or other cognitive impairment.
5. Participants must not have active suicidal ideation requiring hospitalization or a suicide attempt within the past 3 months.
6. Participants must not have any contraindications to receiving rTMS (e.g. metal implanted above the neck, history of seizure, any known brain lesion).
7. Participants must not have any unstable general medical conditions.
8. Participants must not have had eclampsia during pregnancy.

Where it's running

• Medical University of South Carolina
  Charleston, South Carolina, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Lisa McTeague, PhD
• Email: mcteague@musc.edu
• Phone: 843-792-8274

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Brexanolone therapy for moms with postpartum depression

  This trial tests LPCN 1154A against placebo to see if it can help reduce depression symptoms in women with severe postpartum depression.

  Recruiting at 16 sites Phase 3 Lipocine Inc. · Tucson, Arizona and 15 other locations · NCT07822321

• Predicting childbirth PTSD after unplanned cesarean using early postpartum screening

  This study tests whether brief postpartum questionnaires taken 24-48 hours after delivery can predict childbirth-related PTSD symptoms at 6 weeks in people who had an unplanned cesarean.

  Recruiting University of British Columbia · Vancouver, British Columbia · NCT07561632

• Group cognitive behavioral therapy versus interpersonal therapy for postpartum depression in NICU mothers

  This project will test whether group CBT or group IPT, delivered in person or by telehealth, helps reduce postpartum depression symptoms in mothers with infants in the NICU.

  Recruiting Hackensack Meridian Health · Hackensack, New Jersey · NCT06991166

• Accelerated TMS for perinatal and postpartum depression

  This project will test whether an accelerated course of TMS (multiple sessions per day over five days) can help pregnant and postpartum people with major depressive disorder.

  Recruiting Brigham and Women's Hospital · Boston, Massachusetts · NCT06968390

• Mobile health intervention for postpartum care in India

  This study tests a new mobile program to see if it can help new mothers in India get better postpartum care and support from healthcare providers and each other.

  Recruiting at 2 sites University of California, San Francisco · Chandīgarh, Haryana and 2 other locations · NCT05268588

• Program to support new mothers in Sunset Park

  This study is testing a program to see if it can help new mothers in Sunset Park feel less stressed and depressed after having a baby.

  Recruiting NYU Langone Health · New York, New York · NCT04940585

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.