OBWELL: Innovative Psychotherapeutic Intervention to Treat Postpartum Depression

Launched by HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH · May 19, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The OBWELL clinical trial is studying new ways to help mothers who are experiencing postpartum depression (PPD), especially those with babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). PPD is more serious than the typical "baby blues" and can affect a mother’s daily life and her relationship with her baby. This trial will compare two types of therapy—Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)—to see which one is more effective. It will also explore whether combining the two therapies over eight weeks works better than doing just one type alone.

To participate in this trial, mothers must be at least 18 years old and have given birth within the last year to a baby currently in the NICU. They should be able to speak English and have signs of depression. However, those with certain serious conditions, like substance dependency or severe mental health issues, will not be eligible. If you join the study, you can expect to receive therapy over a four-week period, with a chance to be part of a longer treatment plan. This research aims to find better ways to support mothers dealing with PPD, which is important for both their well-being and their baby's health.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Mother of NICU infant
• • Older than age 18
• • English-speaking
• • Gave birth more than 24 hours ago and less than 12 months prior to enrollment
• * Depression as assessed by:
• • Current/Prior diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder OR EPDS score above 10 OR EPDS score below 10 AND Endorsement of "sometimes" or "often" on item #10 on the EPDS\* ("I have had thoughts of harming myself")
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • A diagnosis of Substance Dependency or Substance Use
• • Acute suicidal or infanticidal ideation
• • Current psychosis
• • Medical history of cognitive impairment
• • Infant death of current NICU admission
• • Marked non-compliance with intervention (e.g, non-attendance of more than one session during a 4-week intervention or failure to complete study assessments),
• • Are in medical treatment that would prevent participation (i.e., medical treatment that requires inpatient hospitalization and thus would prevent participation of study visits.)