Online therapy for anxiety and depression in new mothers

Transdiagnostic Internet Cognitive-behavior Therapy for Mixed Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in Postnatal Women

Not applicable Interventional Université de Sherbrooke · NCT06778096

This study tests whether an online therapy program can help new mothers with anxiety and depression feel better when combined with their usual treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment226 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorUniversité de Sherbrooke Academic / other
Locations4 sites (Châteauguay, Quebec and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06778096 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project evaluates the effectiveness of a French-Canadian version of an internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) program designed for postnatal women experiencing anxiety and depressive symptoms. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive the iCBT program alongside standard treatment or to a waitlist control group receiving standard treatment only. The study aims to assess symptom reduction through questionnaires administered before, after, and four weeks post-intervention. The research also seeks to identify barriers and facilitators for implementing this program on a larger scale.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 18 and older who are within 12 months postpartum and fluent in French, with moderate anxiety or depressive symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients with severe depression, active suicidal intentions, or those with certain psychiatric diagnoses may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms in postnatal women, improving their overall mental health and well-being.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy can be effective for treating anxiety and depression, suggesting a promising outlook for this adapted program.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years and older
* Being within 12 months postpartum
* Fluent in spoken and written French
* Self-reported clinical score ≥10 for anxiety and/or depressive symptoms based on the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale 10-item scale (EPDS)
* Access to a computer/tablet and internet connection
* Agreement to share primary provider contact information

Exclusion Criteria:

* Self-reported diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
* Current substance abuse or dependence
* Current use of benzodiazepines
* Beginning psychological therapy (\< 4 weeks ago) or medication (\< 8 weeks ago) for depression/anxiety
* Severe depression (EPDS score ≥ 23) or active suicidal intentions (EPDS question 10 = 3, yes quite often)

Where this trial is running

Châteauguay, Quebec and 3 other locations

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 AnxietyPostnatal DepressionCognitive Behavioral TherapyInternetNon-guidedTransdiagnosticRandomized clinical trialDepression
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.