Clinical Trial for

Treatment for Postpartum Depression

For Information Please Contact:

Tel:  1-800-436-2461    womensbehavioralhealth.org 

From our postpartum depression screening study at Magee-Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA, we know that 14.6% of women who deliver have questionnaire responses suggestive of postpartum depression at 4-6 weeks after birth. Our new study, Transdermal Estradiol for Postpartum Depression, supported by the National Institute of Mental Health can address this treatment need. 

This is a study of estradiol skin patch treatment for postpartum depression. We will compare women’s treatment responses to estradiol, sertraline (Zoloft) and placebo. It is important to note that placebo treatment for depression results in improvement in about 30% or more of women, probably due to education, support and expert monitoring. For mothers who improve with treatment over 8 weeks, we will continue treatment through 6 months postpartum. We will also evaluate infant development at 6 months.

What are the benefits of participation? All enrolled women receive an expert 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 (Drs. Wisner, Moses-Kolko and Sit). We also provide breastfeeding information, childcare for appointments, an honorarium for attendance at our clinical program, study medication without cost, and the hope of making treatments better for postpartum women of the future.

You are appropriate for this study if you are:      

• Ages 18-45

• No more than 12 weeks postpartum

• Breastfeeding or Bottlefeeding

• Medically healthy

• Not on an antidepressant currently, unless it is ineffective

• Smoke < ½ pack cigarettes per day or are willing to cut down or quit