Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up Women only

iCARE online therapy for postpartum depression

Official title: Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Internet-based Therapy (iCARE) to Treat Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

Run by University of Southern Denmark · NCT07384273 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This tests whether iCARE, an online program combining cognitive behavioral and acceptance-based techniques, helps women within six months after childbirth who have postpartum depression.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexWomen only
Enrollment352 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Southern Denmark
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Odense)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 1, 2026
Main results expectedAugust 1, 2028
Study endsAugust 1, 2028
Registry record updatedFebruary 5, 2026
Trial IDNCT07384273 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are women aged 18 or older who gave birth within the last six months, have an EPDS score above 7, understand Danish, have internet access, and do not have active psychosis or substance dependence.

Probably not a fit

People who do not understand Danish, lack reliable internet access, have schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders, are in immediate need of psychiatric treatment, or have significant substance or alcohol abuse are unlikely to benefit from this program.

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

What this trial studies

This is a randomized comparison of an internet-delivered therapy program (iCARE) versus usual care for postpartum depression. Eligible participants are adults who gave birth within the past six months, have elevated EPDS scores, and can use the internet and Danish language materials. Participants are randomized to complete the self-guided iCARE modules at home or to receive treatment as usual, with symptom measures collected over follow-up to track changes in mood and functioning. The trial aims to determine whether the online format can provide an accessible, flexible alternative to in-person therapy while monitoring engagement and dropout.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, iCARE could expand timely access to effective therapy at home and reduce depressive symptoms and functional impairment for new mothers.

How similar studies have gone: International trials of self-guided internet-based CBT have shown symptom reductions for depression but with variable engagement and higher dropout rates, so results in postpartum populations are promising but not yet definitive.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Given birth within 6 months
* Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score above 7
* ≥age 18
* Access to the internet

Exclusion Criteria:

* Do not understand Danish language,
* Substance abuse or dependence
* Alcohol abuse, defined by a weekly consumption of alcohol exceeding 10 units
* A diagnosis of schizophrenia, other psychotic disorders or in immediate need of psychiatric treatment.

Where it's running

  • Research Unit of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark
    Odense, Denmark
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.