Postpartum Depression: Action towards Causes and Treatments (PACT)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Postpartum Depression: Action towards Causes and Treatments (PACT)
IRAS ID
215298
Contact name
Ian Jones
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cardiff University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 31 days
Research summary
Postnatal depression and postpartum psychosis are leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality and a critical public-health concern. However, we do not have a complete understanding of the causes of postpartum mood disorders and cannot predict who is at risk. We urgently need this knowledge to improve the detection, prevention, and treatment of postnatal depression and postpartum psychosis. We now know that postnatal depression and postpartum psychosis have a genetic basis but we need very large numbers of research participants in order to identify the genetic factors involved in determining risk.
Our goal is to learn more about the causes of postnatal depression and postpartum psychosis by collecting biological samples from women who have experienced one of these disorders. Participants will provide some information on their history of postpartum mood disorders and some individuals will be invited to provide a biological sample.
We are collaborating with an international group of researchers and clinicians who have come together under the banner of Postpartum Depression: Action towards Causes and Treatments (PACT). Collaboration will enable us to put together the very large sample sizes needed to investigate the aetiology of these conditions.
We propose to use an app developed by Little Green Software in collaboration with UNC using the open-source Apple Research Kit (https://www.apple.com/researchkit), to consent participants into the National Centre for Mental Health (NCMH) cohort (see REC approval 16/WA/0323) and collect information on perinatal mental health problems. A UK version of a mobile App will allow women who have experienced postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis to take part in the research. The app will obtain some basic information about their experience of postpartum mood disorders and we will then arrange for collection of saliva samples by post. Participants will become a sub-cohort of the NCMH cohort (www.ncmh.info).REC name
Wales REC 2
REC reference
17/WA/0238
Date of REC Opinion
9 Jan 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion