RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Transdiagnostic Internet Cognitive-behavior Therapy for Mixed Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in Postnatal Women

This research is testing an online therapy program for women in the postnatal period (after giving birth) who are experiencing anxiety or depression. Researchers want to see if this internet-based program, along with a woman's usual care, is more effective at reducing symptoms than just receiving usual care on its own. The program is based on a successful Australian online therapy, adapted for French-Canadian women. Participants will either try the online program and answer questionnaires, or just answer questionnaires and receive the program later. The study aims to make mental health support more accessible and effective for new mothers.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Université de Sherbrooke

Enrolment target

226

Start

01 May 2025

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2026

Anxiety Postnatal Depression

What is this study about?

Many women experience feelings of anxiety or depression after having a baby – sometimes called postnatal anxiety or depression. This can be a really challenging time for both the mother and her baby. Usually, doctors recommend talking therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which helps people change their thinking and behaviour patterns to improve their mood. We know that CBT can be very helpful, and increasingly, we're finding that online versions of CBT (called iCBT) can also be effective and more convenient for some people.

This study is looking at a specific online CBT program designed for postnatal anxiety and depression. This program was originally developed in Australia and is now being adapted for women in French-speaking communities in Canada. Researchers want to find out if this adapted online program, when added to the usual care a woman receives, helps to reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms more effectively than usual care alone. They are also keen to understand if women find the program acceptable and easy to use, so it could potentially be offered to more people in the future.

The main goal is to improve support for new mothers struggling with their mental health. By understanding if this online program works well, it could provide another helpful option for women to get the support they need during the important postnatal period.

Key takeaways

Tests an online therapy for postnatal anxiety and depression.
Aims to see if it works better than usual care alone.
Designed for French-speaking women after childbirth.
Participation involves questionnaires and potentially an online program.
Focuses on improving mental health support for new mothers.
Access to the online program is eventually offered to all participants.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a woman who is 18 years old or older and has given birth within the last 12 months. You'll also need to be able to speak and understand French well, both in conversation and in writing. The researchers will check if you have certain levels of anxiety or depressive symptoms using some standard questionnaires.

It's important that you have access to a computer or tablet and a reliable internet connection at home, as the therapy is delivered online. You should also be comfortable sharing contact details for your main healthcare provider.

However, you won't be able to join if you have certain health conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, or if you are currently struggling with drug or alcohol dependence. Also, if you've recently started other psychological therapy (within the last 4 weeks) or new medication for depression or anxiety (within the last 8 weeks), or if you have severe depression or thoughts of harming yourself, this study might not be suitable for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years or older?
Have you given birth within the last 12 months?
Can you speak and write in French fluently?
Do you have regular access to a computer/tablet and the internet?
Are you comfortable sharing your main doctor's contact information?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you choose to take part, you'll be assigned to one of two groups. One group will start the online therapy program right away and will answer questionnaires about how they're feeling at the beginning, after six weeks, and again four weeks later (at week ten). This online program involves about six weeks of guided lessons designed to help with anxiety and depressive symptoms.

The other group will receive their usual care and will also answer the same questionnaires at the beginning, at six weeks, and at ten weeks. After they complete their final questionnaire, they will then be given access to the online therapy program. So, everyone gets the chance to use the program eventually. The total time you'd be actively involved in the study by answering questions is about 10 weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help you understand and manage your anxiety or depressive symptoms during the postnatal period through the online therapy program. While the online therapy is generally considered safe, some people might find it difficult to complete or might experience emotional discomfort as they work through challenging feelings. All participants will have access to usual care. You are free to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (4)

Centre intégré de santé et services sociaux de la Montérégie-Ouest
Verified postcode
Châteauguay, Canada· Recruiting
Centre intégré de santé et services sociaux de la Montérégie-Est
Verified postcode
Greenfield Park, Canada· Recruiting
Centre intégré de santé et services sociaux de la Montérégie-Centre
Verified postcode
Longueuil, Canada· Recruiting
Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de l'Estrie - Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke
Verified postcode
Sherbrooke, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'postnatal'?

Postnatal means the time after giving birth, usually referring to the first year after the baby is born.

What is 'iCBT'?

iCBT stands for Internet-delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. It's a type of talking therapy you can do online to help manage anxiety and depression.

Do I need to be diagnosed with anxiety or depression to join?

No, you don't need a formal diagnosis. The study uses questionnaires to see if your symptoms meet a certain level for inclusion.

What if I'm already getting some help for my mood?

If you've recently started new psychological therapy (within 4 weeks) or new medication for anxiety/depression (within 8 weeks), you might not be eligible. They want to see how the online program works with your usual ongoing care.

Will I get to do the online therapy program?

Yes, even if you're in the group that waits, you will get access to the online therapy program after you complete your final questionnaires at 10 weeks.

How to find out more

Pasquale Roberge, PhD

pasquale.roberge@usherbrooke.ca 819 821-8000 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.