A Randomized Controlled Study of Digitalized Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Antenatal Depression

Randomized Controlled Trial of Digitalized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy With Telephone Coaching for Mothers Suffering From Depression During Pregnancy

The main objective of the current research project is to evaluate the effectiveness of the digitalized cognitive behavioral therapy program including telephone coaching for antenatal depressive symptoms. The participants are screened from the general population of pregnant women, as a part of the routine maternity health care check-ups. Mothers with depressive symptoms will be randomized into intervention group receiving guided digitalized treatment program or control group receiving education material about depression in digital form.

Inclusion Criteria:

• fluent in written and spoken Finnish or Swedish
• access to computer or mobile phone with internet
• between 12 and 22 weeks pregnant
• screening and baseline score on the EPDS ≥10 points

Exclusion Criteria:

• lifetime history of psychotic disorder (e.g. schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, psychotic depression)
• active suicidal ideation
• severe substance abuse or dependence
• actively ongoing psychotherapy
• participates in another intervention study aiming at treating the symptoms of antenatal depression
• multiple pregnancy