University of Penn Needs You for Online Survey on New Motherhood

By April 18, 2012
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are studying women’s experiences as they become mothers for the first time. One of the goals of this research is to understand risk factors for depression and anxiety among new mothers, although you do not need to be experiencing depression or anxiety to participate in the study. You may be eligible to participate if you:
* Are a woman between the ages of 18 and 44
* Are currently pregnant with your first child (12-36 weeks) OR gave birth to your first child in the past 6 months
* Live in the United States.
The study can be completed online, takes about 20 minutes, and participants are eligible for a raffle for $150 in compensation For more information, and to access the study, visit:
April 18, 2012 1:06 pm Filed Under: Postpartum Depression Research

Participate in Survey on Postpartum Adjustment

By April 30, 2010

Shelley Burdine-Prevost,a researcher in Tennessee with a clinical specialty in PPD, has asked me to invitemy readersto participate in a survey on postpartum adjustment and variables related to a positive transition to motherhood. She wants to learn what helps some women make this adjustment better than others. In order to participate, your baby must have been born in the last 12 months. Here is the link to her survey:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/newmom

April 30, 2010 7:36 am Filed Under: Causes

Research Roundup: On Postpartum Depression, Screening, Infertility & Treatment Options

By March 2, 2010

Lots of research coming out on or related toperinatal mood & anxiety disorders, including studies on the effectiveness of screening for postpartum depression twice during pregnancy, how your personality may impact whether you get PPD, how trained healthcare providers can reduce risk and how web-based support can help women going through the psychological stress of infertility:

From the British Journal of Psychiatry: "Cognitive style, personality and vulnerability to postnatal depression"

From Advances in Psychiatric Treatment: "Risks & case registers in perinatal psychiatry"(no abstract available)

From the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology: "The utility of maternal depression screening in the third trimester"

From BMJ'sEvidence-Based Mental Health: "Health visitor training reduces risk of postnatal depression 6 months after birth"

From Depression & Anxiety: "Effectiveness of therapeutic massage for generalized anxiety disorder: a randomized controlled trial"

From the Archives of Women's Mental Health: "Web-based treatment for infertility-related psychological distress"

Note: Many of these require subscriptions to the publications, which I don't have and you probably don't either. But you can at least read the abstract and get an idea of what the research was about and what the conclusion of the studies were.

March 2, 2010 7:50 am Filed Under: Infertility, Risk Factors

PPD Screening Cutoff Scores May Need To Vary Depending on Population

By February 19, 2010

HealthDay reports that new research published online in Pediatrics finds that the cutoff scores of postpartum depression screening tools "may need to be changed to more accurately identify depression depending on the population and the screening tool used." The study focused primarily on low-income urban mothers.

"Depression is highly prevalent among low-income, black, postpartum mothers and can be identified accurately through screening with the EPDS, PDSS, or BDI-II. Depending on the population and the screening tool, practitioners may need to alter the cutoff score to identify more effectively individuals who could benefit from referral and treatment," the authors conclude.

February 19, 2010 7:49 am Filed Under: Postpartum Depression

How DSM-V Language on Postpartum Depression May Affect Insurance Coverage & Research Funding

By February 13, 2010

Here's another expert weighing in onthe new language about postpartum depression in the DSM-V: Susan Stone, LCSW. Susan ischair of the President's Advisory Council of Postpartum Support International.

It takes years (generally) for clinical observation to find representation in the DSM. The basis for making such change requires compelling research, clinical oversight and the agreement of multiple committee members, each with his own perspective and experience. It is a necessarily lengthy and thoughtful process. While the gap between clinical reality and DSM validation may be frustrating at times, the extension of the postpartum onset specifier [to 6 months] is highly significant.

If included, this could help increase access to insurance coverage to mental health services in pregnancy and the postpartum. Liability issues resulting from denial of benefits becomes a more strongly mitigating factor in coverage decisions when the DSM acknowledges and validates the proposed extension. In addition, extending the specifier justifies the research community's ever-widening investigation of perinatal mood disorder incidence and initiation, encouraging funding. These are major gifts which will pave the way for future DSM modifications.

In reading through the language [of Dr. Ian Jones], I did not feel that the writer was denying the existence of pregnancy-related disorders, butcalling for further research. Because the incidence of depression among women is close to the statistics for antenatal and postpartum depression, specific determination of the biopsychosocial characteristics unique to perinatal mood disturbances is needed to justify its entry as a separate group of disorders. Research focused on these determinations will help inform prevention and treatment!

Great insight Susan! Thanks!

February 13, 2010 11:50 am Filed Under: Health Insurance, Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Depression Research in Michigan Open to Pregnant And New Mothers

By January 31, 2010

The University of Michigan’s Women’s Mental HealthProgram is conducting several studies for which women in Michigan suffering from perinatal mood and anxiety disorders like postpartum depression may be eligible. There are also studies involving mothers of young children and pregnant women. Most involve some type of free care, and some offer compensation. Spread the word, Michiganders.

Enhancing Care & Health Outcomes for Perinatal Women

This study focuses on improving therapy for pregnant and postpartum women who are experiencing stress, distress, and depression. You may be eligible if you are age 18 or older, pregnant, experiencing stress, and are not currently receiving mental health care. We are looking for women receiving pregnancy care at one of the University of Michigan clinics (East Ann Arbor, Briarwood, or Ypsilanti Family Practice) or at one of the Flint Hamilton Community Health Networks clinics (Northpointe, Main, or Burton). Eligible women may participate in several ways, including participating in interviews (with compensation up to $80) and 8-12 sessions of therapy at no cost to you. If you are interested in participating or learning more about this research project please contact us at (734) 615-3579 or toll free (888) 303-2766.

Circle of Security

Circle of Security examines whether and how a supportive intervention is helpful to mothers of young children. The Circle of Security is a 12-session educational group that aims to help parents recognize, understand, and respond to their young children’s emotional needs, expression and experiences. This study is appropriate for mothers who would like to participate in a supportive psycho-educational group with other mothers of young children and to learn more about strategies for effective, supportive parenting to enhance early child development. You may be eligible if you are at 18 years old or older, have a least one child between the ages of 18 and 47 months, have experienced perinatal depression or anxiety and are English-speaking. If you are interested in participating or learning more about this research project please contact us at (734) 232-0205.

Maternal Anxiety During the Childbearing Years

Maternal Anxiety during the Childbearing Years (MACY) is a longitudinal cohort study investigating the parenting experiences of new mothers and their infants’ development across the first 2 years of life. The first year of parenthood often provides both joys and challenges, and it is not uncommon for mothers to feel more sadness or stress during this time. We are particularly interested in learning about the transition to motherhood for women who themselves have had challenging or traumatic childhood experiences. We want to learn from new mothers how they cope with childhood trauma experiences when entering motherhood, as well as how trauma, stress, and coping with trauma may affect being a parent. Part of the MACY study involves collecting genetic (DNA) from saliva samples from women and their infants in order to identify how genes affect the impact of stress on the body. Participation in the MACY study involves phone contact, home visits, and a laboratory visit. Phone interviews conducted at 4-, 12-, 15-, and 18-months postpartum involve questions about infant behavior, mothers’ stress and experiences of trauma, and thoughts and feelings about parenting. Two home visits are conducted at 6-months postpartum; these involve mother-infant play interactions and interviews about their infants as well as about mothers’ own childhood experiences. Mothers and toddlers are invited to our laboratory at 15-months postpartum for a visit involving additional interviews and play tasks. Mothers are reimbursed for their participation with up to $120. You may be eligible if you are 18 years or older, had childhood trauma experience, and have are in early postpartum (less than 4 months). If you are interested in participating or learning more about this research project please contact us at (734) 232-0205.

Mothers, Omega-3 & Mental Health Study: Does EPA or DHA Prevent Depressive Symptoms in Pregnancy and Postpartum?

This study is designed to test whether an alternative medicine treatment, fish oil, will prevent depressive symptoms in pregnant & postpartum women who have been found to be at risk for depression. You may be eligible if you are at least 18 years old, less than 20 weeks pregnant, receiving prenatal care and planning to deliver at the University of Michigan, and are at risk for depression (based on a past history of depression or postpartum depression or current depression). This study involves 4 study visits and compensation is $100. If you are interested in participating or learning more about this research project please contact us at (734) 615-5391 or toll free (888) 303-2766.

Postpartum Depression & Insomnia Treatment Study

This study is designed to improve sleep in women who are within one year of giving birth, and who are also experiencing distress or depression and trouble sleeping. You may be eligible for the study if you are over the age of 18, have given birth in the last year, and are having difficulty falling or staying asleep, or just not feeling rested after sleep. Participants may be compensated up to $175 for their time, and will receive free treatment for their sleep problems. If you are interested in participating or learning more about this research project, please contact us at (734) 764-2242.

There are several other studies as well. You can read about all of them here.

January 31, 2010 9:42 am Filed Under: Postpartum Depression Treatment

APA Accepting Grant Applications for Research, Education & Intervention Projects

By January 30, 2010

For those of you creating great perinatal mood and anxiety disorder programs in your state/national organizations, hospitals and universities, here's a grant opportunity:

The American Psychological Foundation is accepting applications for its Wiess and Visionary grants. The deadline is March 15th.

APF Visionary and Weiss grants seek to seed innovation through supporting research, education, and intervention projects and programs that use psychology to solve social problems in the following priority areas:

  • Understanding and fostering the connection between mental and physical health to ensure well-being;
  • Reducing stigma and prejudice to promote unity and harmony;
  • Understanding and preventing violence to create a safer, more humane world; and
  • Supporting programs that address the long-term psychological needs of individuals and communities in the aftermath of disaster.

One-year grants are available in amounts ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. Additionally, a $10,000 Raymond A. and Rosalee G. Weiss Innovative Research and Programs Grant is also available for any program that falls within APF’s priority areas.

January 30, 2010 9:10 am Filed Under: Causes

Only One-Third of Patients Prescribed Antidepressants Receive Proper Follow-Up

By January 21, 2010

This is something many of us knew already, but research is bearing it out: primary care physicians often do not do the proper follow-up of patients to whom they've prescribed antidepressants.

New research published in the January 2010 issue of Psychiatric Services concluded that "Patients receiving their initial prescription from psychiatrists were nearly five times as likely as patients receiving their initial prescription from primary care providers to receive guideline-concordant follow-up care."

In all, of the 4,000+ patients reviewed, only 31% received follow-up visits that are in keeping with accepted guidelines. Goodness gracious. That can't be good.

January 21, 2010 10:30 am Filed Under: Medication

Postpartum Progress' New Research Page Provides Better Access to Studies on Postpartum Depression

By November 13, 2009

Since it is so hard to keep track of the research coming in almost daily on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, I've decided to add a research page to Postpartum Progress. You can find it on the right-hand side of your screen underneath "Help Is Here", #5.

I won't be able to list every single piece of research that comes down the pike, but I will put links on that page to the most current, most interesting, most often cited research. I've created categories to try and organize it, such as Genetics & Postpartum Depression, Screening for Postpartum Depression, Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression, etc.

Hopethis page ishelpful to you should you need to find some specific data. If you know of a study that should be listed there and it isn't, please send me a link at postpartumprogress@gmail.com. And to my brainy, scientific-type, evidence-based medicinereaders, if you see a study on there that you don't think is valid, tell me that too and I'll remove it.

November 13, 2009 1:40 am Filed Under: Perinatal Mood Disorders, Postpartum Depression

Survey: Which postpartum depression treatments are NOT acceptable to you?

By November 9, 2009

A week or so ago I asked you to participate in a research survey over on MedEdPPD. You guys did a great job as they received quite a few responses. Now I've got another one for you. There are actually two versions of this survey, one for providers/clinicians and one for women with postpartum depression.The survey is completely confidential and no identification is required.

A psychiatry research team is planning a study to compare several treatments for women with postpartum depression. Before the study begins, they want to know which treatment options would NOT be acceptable to providers and patients. Once acceptable treatments are determined, the team will begin a study in which participants will be randomly assigned a treatment which will be administered for 8 weeks. Women whose PPD symptoms improve would be provided treatment for an additional 6 months.

Please help out this research team by taking the survey and forwarding it to relevant colleagues and fellow moms.

The survey literally takes just a minute or so. Five quick and easy questions.

If you're a mom or mom-to-be, take this survey.

If you're a provider, take this survey.

November 9, 2009 1:42 pm Filed Under: Causes
Next Page »