Mothers Needed For Study Of Estradiol Skin Patch To Treat Postpartum Depression

Main Category: Depression
Also Included In: Women's Health / Gynecology;  Psychology / Psychiatry;  Mental Health
Article Date: 01 Jul 2011 - 9:00 PDT


One of every seven women who give birth develop postpartum depression. To help these women, researchers at the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC (WPIC) and Magee-Womens Research Institute, are seeking mothers between the ages of 18 and 45 to participate in a one-of-a-kind study to determine if depression in the three months after childbirth can be treated with the hormone estrogen. In an attempt to increase treatment options for new mothers , the researchers hope to show that hormone treatment is effective.

Female lifecycle periods of hormonal fluctuation, such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postpartum and menopause are associated with depression. With evidence of an estrogen-mood association for depression in women, interest in estradiol therapy has grown. "Postpartum major depression is a disorder that is particularly well-suited for tests of estradiol treatment because depression occurs during a large-scale estrogen withdrawal after childbirth," notes Katherine L. Wisner, M.D., M.S., principal investigator of the study and director of the Women's Behavioral HealthCARE program at WPIC. "Estradiol, the physiologic hormone produced by the ovary, may be more acceptable to women who prefer natural treatments."

Participation in the study involves contact with study staff, either by telephone or in person, for eight weeks. After the first visit, mothers will be randomly assigned to receive their first dose of estrogen (delivered as an estradiol skin patch), the antidepressant medication Zoloft or a placebo. Women who respond to treatment will continue in the study for an additional 20 weeks.

All women who are evaluated for the study receive psychiatric assessment, consultation with treatment recommendations, and a review of mental health care options, whether they decide to participate in the study or not. These services are provided free of charge by an internationally recognized team of perinatal psychiatry specialists. All participants will receive information on breastfeeding, childcare for appointments and study medication without cost.

Participants can earn up to $315 in compensation if all scheduled visits are completed. Compensation for transportation, including bus tickets or parking cost, also will be provided. The study is supported by a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health.

Source:
UPMC

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