Post-partum depression study to begin
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Researchers from Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC and Magee-Womens Research Institute are seeking new mothers between the ages of 18 and 45 for a study to determine if depression in the three months after childbirth can be treated with the hormone estrogen.
One of every seven women who give birth develops postpartum depression, and researchers hope to show that estradiol therapy can increase treatment options.
"Postpartum major depression is a disorder that is particularly well suited for tests of estradiol treatment because depression occurs during a large-scale estrogen withdrawal after childbirth," said Katherine L. Wisner, principal investigator of the study and director of the Women's Behavioral HealthCARE program at Western Psych. She said estradiol is the physiologic hormone produced by the ovary and women who prefer natural treatments may be more willing to try it.
Participants and study staff will be in contact either by phone or in person for eight weeks. After the first visit, mothers will be randomly assigned to receive their first dose of estrogen, in the form of an estradiol skin patch; the antidepressant Zoloft; or a placebo. Women who respond to treatment will continue in the study for an additional 20 weeks.
All women evaluated for the study will receive free psychiatric assessment; consultation with treatment recommendations; and a review of mental health care options from perinatal psychiatry specialists whether or not they decide to participate.
All participants will receive information on breastfeeding; child care for appointments; and study medication for free, and they can earn up to $315 in compensation if all scheduled visits are completed. Compensation for transportation costs also will be provided.
The study is supported by a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health.
For more information, call 1-800-436-2461 or visit womensbehavioralhealth.org.
First Published July 4, 2011 12:00 am
