New treatment for depression after childbirth

Effect of the Metacognitive Training Programme (D-MCT) in Patients With Peripartum Depression

Not applicable Interventional CHU de Reims · NCT06253390

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

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment96 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 45 Years
SexFemale
SponsorCHU de Reims Academic / other
Locations1 site (Reims)
Trial IDNCT06253390 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women over 18 who have given birth and meet the diagnostic criteria for peripartum depression.

Not a fit: Patients who are minors or have schizophrenia will not benefit from this study.

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 performed: Previous studies have shown that metacognitive therapy can be effective for anxiety and depression, suggesting potential success for this approach in treating PPD.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Reims

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 Postnatal Depression
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.