Can Oxytocin Level Predict Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum Depression Clinical Trial

Official title:

Can Prenatal Plasma Oxytocin Concentration Predict Likelihood of Postpartum Depression? An Opportunity for Early Intervention and Prevention in a Vulnerable Population

Clinical Trial Details — Status: Completed

Administrative data

• NCT number: NCT02020148
• Other study ID #: 00082402
• Status: Completed
• Start date: December 2013
• Est. completion date: August 2015

Study information

• Verified date: October 2023
• Source: Northwestern University
• Contact: n/a
• Is FDA regulated: No
• Study type: Observational

Clinical Trial Summary

The goal of this research study is to understand the relationship between the hormone oxytocin and postpartum mood.

Description:

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects some one in five new mothers, and adversely influences maternal adaptation to motherhood. While it is known that women with a prior history of depression, or depression during pregnancy, are at elevated risk for postpartum depression, many women with no prior history of depression or other risk factors go on to develop depression in the postpartum period. Considering the grave consequences of postpartum depression on maternal infant bonding and childhood psychological development, it is critical to develop reliable methods to identify which women, who are not depressed during pregnancy, will become depressed after delivery.

The biological pathways leading to depression at any time in life, including around pregnancy, are still poorly characterized. Oxytocin (OT), a hormone involved in delivery and lactation, has received recent attention regarding its additional role in maternal emotions and care taking behaviors after birth. The primary goal is explore the relationship between plasma oxytocin and postpartum mood.

Recruitment information / eligibility

• Status: Completed
• Enrollment: 68
• Est. completion date: August 2015
• Est. primary completion date: June 2015
• Accepts healthy volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers
• Gender: Female
• Age group: 18 Years and older

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

1. At least 18 years of age

2. English-speaking

3. Pregnant (third trimester at time of visit)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Current active depression or other mental illness at time of study entry in the third trimester (past depression or anxiety is acceptable)

2. Current antidepressant treatment

3. Severe medical complications in current pregnancy (gestational diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disease)

4. Signs of multiple gestation or of fetal malformation in current pregnancy

5. Cigarette smoking beyond 10th week of gestation of current pregnancy

6. Pre-pregnancy BMI > 32

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Depression
• Depression, Postpartum
• Depressive Disorder
• Postpartum Depression

Locations

Country	Name	City	State
United States	Northwestern Memorial Hospital	Chicago	Illinois

Sponsors (2)

Lead Sponsor	Collaborator
Northwestern University	Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Country where clinical trial is conducted

United States, 

References & Publications (1)

Bell AF, Carter CS, Steer CD, Golding J, Davis JM, Steffen AD, Rubin LH, Lillard TS, Gregory SP, Harris JC, Connelly JJ. Interaction between oxytocin receptor DNA methylation and genotype is associated with risk of postpartum depression in women without d — View Citation

Outcome

Type	Measure	Description	Time frame	Safety issue
Primary	Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology, Self-Report (IDS-SR-30)	The IDS-SR-30 is a validated, widely used tool to evaluate depressive symptoms and clinical depression. Participants will complete this questionnaire in person or through telephone interview.	4-6 weeks post delivery

External Links

•   Reference citation