The UCLA Depression Grand Challenge is currently conducting several research studies to learn more about the causes of depression during and after pregnancy, and to develop new and more effective treatments for perinatal depression. Below, please find studies specifically recruiting pre-menopausal, pregnant, and postpartum women.
By taking part in a study, you can contribute to research advancing our understanding of mental health and improving mental health treatments.
If you are not pregnant or recently postpartum, visit our general studies page.
Maternal Child Interaction Study
We’re studying how a parent’s depressive symptoms may affect audio patterns in parent-child interactions at 3 and 6 months postpartum.
Eligibility criteria:
- Live in California
- Pregnant, or within 6 weeks postpartum at the time of enrollment
Participation includes assessments at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after delivery. The 3- and 6-month assessments involve a weekend of home-based recordings using devices shipped to you. The 6-month assessment includes behavioral observation tasks completed over secure video conference. (IRB #21-1942)
HARMONY: Digital Markers for Outcomes in Perinatal Depression Treatment Study
We are studying how different information may help us understand treatment outcomes for perinatal depression. In this study, we are supplementing traditionally collected information during perinatal depression (PND) treatment with digital sensing data collected from phones and watches during specific stages of PND treatment.
Eligibility criteria:
- 18 years of age or older
- An OB patient at a participating UCLA Health clinic
- In the last trimester of pregnancy (28+ weeks), or up to 12 weeks postpartum
- Experiencing moderate-to-severe depression
Participation includes taking part in one of two depression treatments, completing brief self-report surveys for approximately three months, and using an iPhone app and wearing a provided Apple Watch for the first 4 weeks. (IRB #25-2121)
UMMATR: Uncovering Microbial Modifiers of Antidepressant Treatment Responses
We’re studying how antidepressant medications interact with the gut microbiome in pre-menopausal women.
Eligibility criteria:
- Pre-menopausal women, including:
Pregnant or recently postpartum women (13 weeks pregnant–12 weeks postpartum)
Women who have never been pregnant or have not been pregnant within the past 6 months
- Planning to start an antidepressant medication (SSRI)
Participation includes providing two at-home stool samples: one before starting SSRI treatment and another one month later. Study materials will be shipped to you, and a medical courier will pick up the samples at a time you schedule. You’ll also complete a few short online surveys. (IRB #23-0921)
