New treatment for depression after childbirth
Official title: Effect of the Metacognitive Training Programme (D-MCT) in Patients With Peripartum Depression
Run by CHU de Reims · NCT06253390 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new therapy to see if it can help women with depression and anxiety after giving birth feel better and connect more with their babies.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 96 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | CHU de Reims Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Reims) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 10, 2024 |
| Main results expected | June 2028 |
| Study ends | December 2028 |
| Registry record updated | February 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06253390 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are women over 18 who have given birth and meet the diagnostic criteria for peripartum depression.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are minors or have schizophrenia will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study focuses on women experiencing peripartum depression (PPD), which can occur during pregnancy or within a year after childbirth. It aims to evaluate the effectiveness of metacognitive therapy (MCT) in reducing both depressive and anxiety symptoms associated with PPD. Participants will undergo metacognitive training, with the goal of improving their mental health and enhancing interactions with their newborns. The study will include women over 18 who meet specific diagnostic criteria for PPD and have a certain level of depressive symptoms as measured by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve mental health outcomes for mothers and their interactions with their infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that metacognitive therapy can be effective for anxiety and depression, suggesting potential success for this approach in treating PPD.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Women over 18 years * Meets the diagnostic criteria for depressive disorder with peripartum onset (PPD) (APA, 2013) and has already given birth * EPDS score over 10 * Have given their consent to take part in the study * Be affiliated to a social security system * Have an adequate knowledge of written, understood and spoken French (French mother tongue or primary education in the French education system) All women with PPD, whether breastfeeding or not, can be included in the study. Baby care can be organised if mothers are unable to have their babies looked after. This service is provided by nurses from the UPPE in the unit's reception room, which has all the equipment needed to care for infants. Mothers meet the nurses before the group and tell them what they expect, and the nurses give them feedback when they come to collect their baby. Exclusion Criteria: * \- Be the subject of a protection measure * Being a minor * Meets the diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia spectrum disorders (brief psychotic disorder; schizophrenic disorder; schizoaffective disorder; delusional disorder; brief psychotic disorder with peripartum onset) * Meet the criteria for substance abuse or dependence (alcohol, drugs) * With insufficient command of the French language * People with a deceased child * People who do not meet the diagnostic criteria for depressive disorder with peripartum onset (APA, 2013) * People who do not agree to take part in the study
Where it's running
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Chu Reims
Reims, France Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Anne Catherine ROLLAND
- Email: acrolland@cu-reims.fr
- Phone: 03 26 78 72 18
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.