Home-based Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Postpartum Depression: the Feasibility Study and Pilot Study

Launched by ANA GANHO ÁVILA · Sep 7, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at a new way to help new mothers who are experiencing postpartum depression (PPD), which is a type of depression that can occur after giving birth. The study will test a method called home-based Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). This method uses a gentle electric current applied to the scalp to help improve brain function and mood. Researchers want to see if using tDCS at home, combined with online support and telehealth services, can effectively help mothers with PPD.

To take part in this trial, women between the ages of 18 and 45 who have experienced moderate to severe depression after having a baby may be eligible. Participants should not be taking any medication for their depression and must have had a healthy delivery. Those who have previously used tDCS or have other serious mental health issues may not qualify. If you join the study, you can expect to use the tDCS device at home while also receiving support through an online system. This research aims to collect information that could lead to a larger trial in the future to confirm the effectiveness of this approach for treating postpartum depression.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Medication-free women with moderate to severe MD episode according to the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS\>7), and peripartum onset, diagnosed before delivery or between the second week and month 6 postpartum
• • Between 18-45 years of age
• • Pregnancy to term
• • Uncomplicated delivery to a healthy newborn
• • Must be able to manage the technical aspects of the intervention.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • tDCS contraindications
• • Previous experience with tDCS
• • Mental health disorder other than unipolar depression or anxiety
• • Suicidal ideation.