Digital cognitive behavioral therapy for pregnant women with depression

Randomized Controlled Trial of Digitalized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy With Telephone Coaching for Mothers Suffering From Depression During Pregnancy

NA · University of Turku · NCT04223115

This study tests if a digital therapy program with phone support can help pregnant women with depression feel better compared to just getting information about depression.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment634 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 55 Years
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Turku (other)
Locations1 site (Turku)
Trial IDNCT04223115 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a digitalized cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program, which includes telephone coaching, for pregnant women experiencing depressive symptoms. Participants are screened from the general population during routine maternity health care check-ups and are randomized into either an intervention group receiving the digital treatment or a control group receiving educational materials about depression. The aim is to determine if this digital approach can effectively alleviate antenatal depressive symptoms.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are pregnant women between 12 and 22 weeks gestation who are fluent in Finnish or Swedish and have depressive symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of psychotic disorders, active suicidal ideation, or those currently undergoing psychotherapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide an accessible and effective treatment option for pregnant women suffering from depression.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using digital interventions for mental health, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* fluent in written and spoken Finnish or Swedish
* access to computer or mobile phone with internet
* between 12 and 22 weeks pregnant
* screening and baseline score on the EPDS ≥10 points

Exclusion Criteria:

* lifetime history of psychotic disorder (e.g. schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, psychotic depression)
* active suicidal ideation
* severe substance abuse or dependence
* actively ongoing psychotherapy
* participates in another intervention study aiming at treating the symptoms of antenatal depression
* multiple pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Turku

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: Depression, Antenatal Depression, digital intervention, cognitive behavioral therapy, antenatal depression

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.