Postpartum Depression Treatment
Research Study
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina are conducting a study to investigate a treatment for postpartum depression.
Fast Facts
Experiencing Postpartum Depression
18+ Years Old
Compensation Provided
Conducted in Charleston, SC
Study Background
Accelerated Theta Burst Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for the Treatment of Postpartum Depression
The purpose of this study is to investigate a treatment called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for women suffering from postpartum depression. Transcranial magnetic stimulation or TMS is a non-invasive therapeutic technique that works by delivering magnetic pulses to the brain in a way that can temporarily increase brain activity under the magnetic field.
The entire treatment will be given over five days, to be completed within 8. Treatment is delivered for three minutes at a time with 15-minute breaks between sessions, or more if you prefer. Each day of treatment can take about 3.5 hours. We will stay in touch with you about 1 month after treatment virtually.
Eventually, we hope that the findings of this study might be useful for treating postpartum depression and improving people’s quality of life.
Study Background
Accelerated Theta Burst Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for the Treatment of Postpartum Depression
The purpose of this study is to investigate a treatment called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for women suffering from postpartum depression. Transcranial magnetic stimulation or TMS is a non-invasive therapeutic technique that works by delivering magnetic pulses to the brain in a way that can temporarily increase brain activity under the magnetic field.
The entire treatment will be given over five days, to be completed within 8. Treatment is delivered for three minutes at a time with 15-minute breaks between sessions, or more if you prefer. Each day of treatment can take about 3.5 hours. We will stay in touch with you about 1 month after treatment virtually.
Eventually, we hope that the findings of this study might be useful for treating postpartum depression and improving people’s quality of life.
Additional Information
This study is being done to evaluate the antidepressant effect of accelerated intermittent theta burst repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for women suffering from postpartum depression.
You may qualify for a study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 18+
- Experiencing postpartum depression
- Not currently pregnant
- Able to provide informed consent
- No moderate or severe substance use disorder other than tobacco use disorder
- No symptoms of psychosis
- No history of dementia or other cognitive impairment
- Able to complete rTMS scan (e.g. no metal implanted above the neck, no history of seizure, no known brain lesion)
- No unstable medical conditions
- Did not have preeclampsia or eclampsia during pregnancy
Enrollment Visit (in person or virtual): Staff will review the consent form with you. A staff member will ask you several questions about your mental health, medical, and depression history. You will receive a urine pregnancy test if this visit is in person. If this visit is completed remotely, you will receive a urine pregnancy test prior to your first TMS treatment.
On TMS treatment visits:
- Participants will join us for a total of 5 treatment visits in person, spread over 8 days.
- You will receive 12 treatments each day (on five total treatment days). Each treatment takes about 3 minutes. You will wait about 15 minutes between treatments.
- Short, computerized forms will be completed before, in between treatment sessions, and after treatment sessions.
After the final TMS treatment visit:
- We will have your first follow-up over the phone after finishing five days of treatment.
- Computerized forms will be completed online after the last treatment day and at one week, two weeks, three weeks, and four weeks after treatment.
- A phone call appointment will be made four weeks after the final TMS treatment visit.
As a participant, you can receive up to $200 for completing the entire study. Childcare reimbursement is also available.
Gas reimbursement is available for those who live outside a 30-mile radius of MUSC, for up to $50.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
