Fast Facts
Ages 18+
Less than 32 weeks (8 months) pregnant
Compensation
provided
Conducted in
The Greater Toronto Area
Additional Information
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age 18 or older
- Currently pregnant and less than 32 weeks (8 months) pregnant
- Experiencing moderately severe to severe depression symptoms
- Not taking antidepressant medication to treat depression symptoms
- Have not started or changed depression treatment within the last month
- Able to complete study activities in English
Exclusion Criteria:
- Active alcohol or substance use disorder
- Diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or another psychotic disorder
- History of seizures
- Major unstable or life-threatening medical conditions
Overall Duration
This study includes a 3-week treatment period during pregnancy, followed by check-ins throughout the rest of the pregnancy and up to 52 weeks after delivery. Participation includes mostly remote activities.
In-Person Activities
Participants will complete one in-person visit at either Women’s College Hospital or Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, in Toronto, Ontario. During this visit, the research team will:
- Guide participants through their first transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) treatment session
Participants may also complete interviews, questionnaires, and mental health assessments during the study. All assessments may be completed by phone or online. No blood draws are required for this study.
At-Home Activities
As long as participants can complete the first session in person, they can take the device home and self-administer the rest of the sessions:
- Self-administer 15 at-home tDCS treatment sessions over 3 weeks, complete one 30-minute treatment session per weekday (5 days per week), and attend short video monitoring visits with study staff during treatment sessions.
After the treatment phase, participants will complete follow-up assessments approximately every 4 weeks during pregnancy and again at 4, 12, 26, and 52 weeks after delivery.
Information collected during the study will be kept confidential and securely stored. Video visits are used only for study monitoring and support.
Participants may receive up to $190 in gift cards as a token of appreciation for completing study assessments. Participants will also be reimbursed for transportation and parking.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.