RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Perinatal Thymic DYsregulation: Characterization of Perinatal Mood Episodes

This research aims to improve our understanding and treatment of mood changes that can happen during pregnancy and in the first year after giving birth. Many people know about postnatal depression, but this study also looks at other feelings like being very energetic, not needing much sleep, or feeling irritable, which can be signs of different mood conditions. These symptoms are often missed or misunderstood, making it hard for mums to get the right help. The study uses questionnaires during routine health check-ups to get a clearer picture of these complex feelings. By identifying these symptoms more accurately, the goal is to make sure women receive the best possible support and care for their mental health during this important time.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Charles Perrens, Bordeaux

Enrolment target

200

Start

13 Oct 2025

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Perinatal Mental Health

What is this study about?

Many women experience changes in their mood during pregnancy and in the first year after giving birth. While postnatal depression is often talked about, this study wants to look at the full range of feelings women might experience during this time. Sometimes, alongside feeling low, new mums might also feel overly energetic, have trouble sleeping, become easily distracted, or feel irritable. These feelings can be confusing and might make it harder to get an accurate diagnosis.

This research aims to get a better understanding of these different mood changes. The goal is to improve how doctors recognise and treat these conditions. Currently, it's thought that many cases of these complex mood changes might go unnoticed or untreated because they don't fit neatly into the typical description of depression. By looking closely at all these symptoms, the study hopes to give doctors clearer tools to identify what's going on.

Ultimately, the information gathered from this study should help healthcare professionals offer more targeted and effective support. This means that if you're a new mum experiencing these kinds of mood changes, future care will be better equipped to understand your unique situation and provide the right type of help, making sure you get the support you need at a vulnerable time.

Key takeaways

Aims to understand and improve care for mood changes in new mums.
Looks beyond just depression to include symptoms like high energy or irritability.
Involves answering questionnaires about feelings during routine appointments.
No new medicines or extra visits are required.
Could lead to more accurate diagnosis and better support for mothers in the future.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for women who are at least 18 years old. You might be able to take part if you are currently pregnant, or if you have given birth within the last year.

It's important that this is your first time seeing a mental health professional for concerns related to your current pregnancy. You should also be able to speak and understand French well, and be part of the social security system in the country where the study is taking place.

You cannot take part if you gave birth more than a year ago, if you are already receiving psychiatric care, or if you are under court protection.

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 old or older?
Are you currently pregnant or have you given birth in the last year?
Is this your first time seeing a mental health professional for your current pregnancy/postpartum period?
Can you speak and understand French well?
Are you registered with social security?
Are you not currently under psychiatric care or court protection?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study involves answering some questionnaires. It will be part of your usual check-ups with your healthcare provider. The questionnaires will ask about your feelings and mood during your pregnancy or after giving birth. There are no new medications involved, and you won't need extra appointments. Researchers will simply ask you to complete these questionnaires during your routine visits. The total duration of your involvement would depend on when you join the study and how long your routine care continues.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help improve understanding of mood changes during pregnancy and after birth, potentially leading to better care for future mothers. There are no major risks, as it only involves answering questions during routine care. You have the right to change your mind and stop participating at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Centre Hospitalier CHARLES PERRENS
Verified postcode
Bordeaux, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of mood changes is the study looking at?

Beyond sadness, the study is interested in feelings like being very energetic, not needing much sleep, quick thoughts, or being irritable during pregnancy or after birth.

Do I have to take any new medicines?

No, this study does not involve any new medicines or treatments.

Will taking part affect my usual medical care?

No, your participation will be integrated into your routine check-ups and will not change your normal medical care.

What happens to the information I provide?

The information you provide will be used to help researchers understand mood changes better and improve future diagnoses and treatments for mothers.

Can I stop participating if I want to?

Yes, you can choose to stop participating in the study at any time, and this will not affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Anne-Laure SUTTER DALLAY, Prof, MD, PhD

alsutter@ch-perrens.fr +33 556561782 Official trial record

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