Online workshops to prevent postpartum depression

Online 1-Day CBT-Based Workshops for Preventing Postpartum Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · McMaster University · NCT05753176

This study tests if an online workshop can help pregnant women in their third trimester lower their chances of developing postpartum depression after giving birth.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment408 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorMcMaster University (other)
Locations1 site (Hamilton, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT05753176 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial examines the effectiveness of an online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based workshop designed to prevent postpartum depression (PPD) in pregnant women during their third trimester. The study will involve 408 participants who will be randomly assigned to either the workshop plus usual treatment or usual treatment alone. The primary outcome will be measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) two months postpartum. The goal is to provide an accessible and efficient intervention to reduce the incidence of PPD, which affects many new mothers.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are pregnant women aged 18 and older, currently in their third trimester, residing in Ontario, Canada, and at risk for postpartum depression.

Not a fit: Patients currently experiencing a major depressive episode or those with certain psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce the rates of postpartum depression among new mothers.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar CBT-based interventions for mental health, indicating potential for this approach in preventing postpartum depression.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years of age or older
* Currently residing in Ontario, Canada
* Currently in 3rd trimester of pregnancy (28-36 weeks gestation)
* EPDS score \>6
* Past history of major depressive disorder (determined using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI)

Exclusion Criteria:

* positive score on the MINI for a current major depressive episode
* positive score on the MINI subsections of bipolar, psychotic, or borderline personality disorder

Where this trial is running

Hamilton, Ontario

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Anxiety, cognitive behavioral therapy, CBT, postpartum depression, PPD, randomized controlled trial, RCT

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.