This randomized controlled trial compares a novel psychotherapy, Engage \& Connect, with a Symptom Review and Psychoeducation intervention, tailored to reduce postpartum depression. The study includes 9-weeks interventions, delivered remotely. It will examine changes in social isolation, processing of social rewards and depression severity over 9 weeks of treatment.
Postpartum depression is linked with decreased motivation to seek rewarding activities and enjoyment of pleasurable experiences. Social isolation and low perceived social support predict persistence of postpartum depression. Engagement in rewarding social activities with significant others may increase motivation and enjoyment, motivating utilization of a therapy that addresses social isolation and reward response. The investigators developed Engage \& Connect (E\&C), a 9-week psychotherapy program that focuses on increasing meaningful social activities with significant others. This study will be a pilot Randomized Controlled Trial that will compare the 9-week E\&C course for mothers with postpartum depression with a Symptom Review and Psychoeducation condition (SRP) for mothers with postpartum depression.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
60
Engage \& Connect, is a remotely-delivered extension of Engage psychotherapy. It is aimed to increase engagement in rewarding social activities and in turn, reduce postpartum depression. In each session, the therapist will work with the patient to develop "action plans" to pursue rewarding social activities of their choice with the goal of reducing social isolation.
SPR is a remotely-delivered intervention aimed to increase knowledge of postpartum depression and monitor mental health changes. In each session, the therapist will review the participant's symptoms and discuss information related to postpartum depression and changes after birth.
Weill Cornell Medicine
New York, New York, United States
RECRUITINGChange in Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)
Measure of depression Severity. Scores range from 0 (no depression severity) to 30 (high depression severity)
Time frame: the EPDS will be measured Weekly for 9 weeks
Change in Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale (BADS)
25-item measure self-report measure of behavioral activation. Scores range from 0 (very low behavioral activation) to 150 (high behavioral activation).
Time frame: Baseline, Early Treatment (Week 3), Mid-treatment (Week 6) and Post Treatment (Week 9)
Change in Social Reward Processing on STAR task
Performance on the "Social Task for Assessment of Reward" \[STAR\]. Measured by reaction time to social feedback during reward trials on the task. Higher values of reaction time indicate slower response to social feedback.
Time frame: Baseline, Early Treatment (Week 3), Mid-treatment (Week 6) and Post Treatment (Week 9)
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