Dyadic psychotherapy intervention for mothers with post-partum depression

A Brief Relationship-Based Intervention for Post-Partum Depression; Effects on Mother's Hormones, Depression and Parenting and on Infant Social-Emotional Development

Not applicable Interventional Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya · NCT04193462

This study is testing a new therapy program for mothers with post-partum depression to see if it helps improve their mood and strengthen their bond with their babies.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
SexFemale
SponsorInterdisciplinary Center Herzliya Academic / other
Locations1 site (Herzliya)
Trial IDNCT04193462 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This intervention focuses on mothers experiencing post-partum depression (PPD) and their infants, aiming to improve depressive symptoms and enhance the mother-child relationship. The study involves 60 mothers diagnosed with PPD who will participate in an 8-week dyadic psychotherapy program, which includes video feedback and psycho-educational treatment. Salivary oxytocin levels will be measured before and after the intervention to assess physiological changes alongside psychological improvements. Healthy mothers will also be assessed for comparison.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women diagnosed with post-partum depression who are 3-8 months postpartum.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those with severe personality disorders, other psychiatric diagnoses, or mothers of twins or premature babies.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the mental health of mothers and the quality of their relationship with their infants.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using dyadic interventions for improving maternal mental health, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* women diagnosed with Post-Partum depression, major or minor, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th version (DSM-5)
* 3-8 months after birth of one baby

Exclusion Criteria:

* Mothers of twins
* Mothers of premature babies
* Comorbidity of psychopathology, women who have severe personality disorder or other psychiatric diagnose, besides depression or anxiety
* Women or babies who suffer from severe medical condition, such as developmental problems for the baby or disability.

Where this trial is running

Herzliya

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.
Conditions Post Partum DepressionPost-partum depressiondyadic psychotherapyoxytocin
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.