R01HD100579

Treatment initiation for new episodes of depression in pregnant women - project summary

Up to 12% of pregnant women have a new episode of depression, i.e., an incident or recurrent depressive episode with symptom onset during pregnancy. Effects of untreated antenatal depression include unhealthy maternal behaviors (e.g., diminished self-care, smoking, substance use, self-harm) and emotional and behavioral problems in offspring.

Antenatal depression or elevated depression scores, identified by screening instruments, increase the risk of preterm birth (PTB), low birth weight (LBW), and small for gestational age (SGA) birth, and are associated with breastfeeding discontinuation before 3 months postpartum.

In-person psychotherapy and antidepressant medication improve depression symptoms in many with depression, yet <50% of pregnant women with new episodes of depression initiate these treatments. Although some barriers to initiating antidepressants and psychotherapy are known, other factors have not been well described, especially after accounting for depression severity.

Furthermore, the impact of antidepressants and psychotherapy on perinatal outcomes, including PTB, LBW, SGA, and breastfeeding continuation among pregnant women with new episodes of depression after accounting for confounding by depression severity is unknown.

Given the importance of factors influencing the decision to initiate antidepressant or psychotherapy treatment during pregnancy and the need for further evidence on the perinatal risks and benefits associated with antidepressant use and psychotherapy in pregnant women, the goal of this study is to identify predictors and perinatal effects of psychotherapy and antidepressant use for new episodes of depression during pregnancy while accounting for depression severity.

We will conduct this study in a racially and ethnically diverse multi-site population using electronic health data, enriched with survey data from a subset of women. Among pregnant women with new episodes of depression, we will evaluate factors that influence the propensity to initiate psychotherapy or antidepressants; accounting for these is crucial when studying treatment effects.

We will describe patterns of use of alternative depression management approaches (e.g., internet-based psychotherapy, peer support groups, and complementary and alternative medicine) and will evaluate whether initiation of psychotherapy or antidepressants is associated with these practices while accounting for depression severity.

We will quantify the impact of psychotherapy and antidepressants (including dose, timing, and duration of use) on PTB, LBW, SGA, and breastfeeding continuation accounting for the propensity to initiate psychotherapy or antidepressants and depression severity.

We are uniquely positioned to overcome limitations of confounding and small size in prior studies given our data on depression severity and maternal comorbidity for more than 8,000 pregnant women.

Our study will be informative for understanding the mental health interventions utilized by pregnant women with depression and will inform decision making on optimal depression management during pregnancy.

Healthpartners Institute

TO CONDUCT AND SUPPORT LABORATORY RESEARCH, CLINICAL TRIALS, AND STUDIES WITH PEOPLE THAT EXPLORE HEALTH PROCESSES. NICHD RESEARCHERS EXAMINE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT, BIOLOGIC AND REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTIONS, BEHAVIOR PATTERNS, AND POPULATION DYNAMICS TO PROTECT AND MAINTAIN THE HEALTH OF ALL PEOPLE. TO EXAMINE THE IMPACT OF DISABILITIES, DISEASES, AND DEFECTS ON THE LIVES OF INDIVIDUALS. WITH THIS INFORMATION, THE NICHD HOPES TO RESTORE, INCREASE, AND MAXIMIZE THE CAPABILITIES OF PEOPLE AFFECTED BY DISEASE AND INJURY. TO SPONSOR TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR SCIENTISTS, DOCTORS, AND RESEARCHERS TO ENSURE THAT NICHD RESEARCH CAN CONTINUE. BY TRAINING THESE PROFESSIONALS IN THE LATEST RESEARCH METHODS AND TECHNOLOGIES, THE NICHD WILL BE ABLE TO CONDUCT ITS RESEARCH AND MAKE HEALTH RESEARCH PROGRESS UNTIL ALL CHILDREN, ADULTS, FAMILIES, AND POPULATIONS ENJOY GOOD HEALTH. THE MISSION OF THE NICHD IS TO ENSURE THAT EVERY PERSON IS BORN HEALTHY AND WANTED, THAT WOMEN SUFFER NO HARMFUL EFFECTS FROM REPRODUCTIVE PROCESSES, AND THAT ALL CHILDREN HAVE THE CHANCE TO ACHIEVE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL FOR HEALTHY AND PRODUCTIVE LIVES, FREE FROM DISEASE OR DISABILITY, AND TO ENSURE THE HEALTH, PRODUCTIVITY, INDEPENDENCE, AND WELL-BEING OF ALL PEOPLE THROUGH OPTIMAL REHABILITATION.

93.865 - Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) [HHS - NIH]

Minneapolis, Minnesota 554401524 United States

Single Zip Code

Research Project Grant (Parent R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) (PA-19-056)

Amendment Since initial award the total obligations have increased 327% from $729,291 to $3,116,370.