Digital app to prevent postpartum depression and anxiety

Real-life Implementation Randomized Clinical Trial Assessing Effectiveness of Powerly - Science-based Digital Intervention Preventing Postpartum Depression and Anxiety

NA · Erasmus University Rotterdam · NCT06610552

This study is testing if a new app can help healthy pregnant women prevent postpartum depression and anxiety better than regular care.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment140 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorErasmus University Rotterdam (other)
Locations1 site (Zurich)
Trial IDNCT06610552 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of the Powerly app in preventing postpartum depression and anxiety among healthy pregnant women. Participants will be randomly assigned to either use the app for four weeks or receive standard care. The study aims to assess improvements in mental health outcomes, including emotion regulation and maternal bonding, through mental health assessments conducted before, after four weeks, and six weeks postpartum. The app is based on cognitive behavioral therapy and tailored to individual needs.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy pregnant women between 24 and 32 weeks gestation who own an iPhone and are fluent in German.

Not a fit: Patients with high-risk pregnancies or a history of severe psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce the incidence of postpartum depression and anxiety in new mothers.

How similar studies have performed: While mobile apps for mental health exist, this study is novel as it rigorously tests a specific app designed for postpartum mental health.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* being between 24 and 32 weeks pregnant,
* owning an iPhone,
* having sufficient fluency in German language

Exclusion Criteria:

* high-risk pregnancies,
* history of substance abuse and psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or other psychotic disorders,
* current use of professional face-to-face psychotherapeutic support,
* participation in other clinical trials or interventions at the same time

Where this trial is running

Zurich

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Stress, Postpartum Depressive Disorder, Postpartum Anxiety, pregnancy, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, stress, digital health

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.