The Preventing Perinatal Depression (PRE-D) research study is funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and is conducted by UT Southwestern Medical Center.
The purpose of this study is to develop new methods for women who have previously experienced depression and are attempting to become pregnant or are pregnant. Women who have suffered from depression and are pregnant are at higher risk for a major depressive episode, both during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Many women are apprehensive about continuing antidepressant medication and prefer to monitor symptoms and/or initiate depression-specific psychotherapy (e.g., Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy), which is as effective as antidepressant medication in decreasing depressive symptoms and can reduce depressive relapse among responders.
Patients who signed the consent form and are eligible for the Preventing Perinatal Depression (PRE-D) study will enter the experimental phase and will be randomized into two groups:
- Clinician-Assisted Internet Monitoring (C-AIM) consisting of six in-clinic sessions followed by 10 web-based sessions.
- Cognitive Therapy Fundamentals (CT-F) consisting of six in-clinic sessions followed by 10 web-based C-AIM sessions and Preventive Cognitive Therapy sessions.
This innovative online symptom monitoring system will assist her in recognizing her depressive symptoms, increase awareness, enhance safety, and encourage treatment seeking when needed. After the experimental phase, the follow-up phase will last approximately 16 months, and involve online assessments via C-AIM.
Our research team members will be in contact with you regarding the general mental and physical health of your patient throughout the duration of the study. In addition, the PRE-D research staff will work with you in managing your patient routinely. If necessary, our team is available via an on call system to manage mental health emergencies. We enroll eligible women, ages 18 to 45, who are actively pursuing conception (i.e., not on any type of birth control), or are in any stage of pregnancy. After a telephone triage, the PRE-D study team will complete a diagnostic evaluation to determine current and past major depression.
If you are interested in this project and are thinking about referring some of your patients, please contact us at:
Psychosocial Research & Depression Clinic
Department of Psychiatry
UT Southwestern Medical Center
5323 Harry Hines Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75390-9149
Phone: 214-648-5351
Fax: 214-648-5340
Thank you for your interest.