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Depression

Clinical Validation of a Predictive Test for Postpartum Depression

Recruiting · Charlottesville, Falls Church, Virginia

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Ask for your language

Your choice

Voluntary — you can stop anytime

What is this study?

The goal of this observational study is to develop a blood test that may be predictive of postpartum depression. This Blood test is investigational and not yet FDA approved.

It is , overseen by an independent and licensed medical staff.

Read the full clinical description

The goal of this observational study is to develop a blood test that may be predictive of postpartum depression. This Blood test is investigational and not yet FDA approved. Participants will not receive the results of this blood test. Up to 500 pregnant women will be recruited for the study from 2 sites. Participants must be age 18 or above with a singleton pregnancy and able to provide written consent in English. The Objective of this Clinical Trial is to prospectively validate the Enlighten Device test by prospectively determining false/true positive and negative rates. Building off of this, an exploratory objective of this study is to examine clinical factors associated with false positive/negative rates. This project will address the following Aim: Aim 1: Prospective collection of true/false positive and negative PPD outcomes through 6 months postpartum. Primary Hypothesis H1a: 80% or greater of pregnant women who develop PPD by 3 months after delivery will be determined to be Biomarker Positive by the Enlighten Device in T3. Primary Hypothesis H1b: 10% or fewer of pregnant women who are determined to be Biomarker Negative by the Enlighten Device in T3 will develop PPD by 3 months after delivery. Exploratory Aim 1: Investigation of clinical factors that may be associated with false positive and false negative rates, such as: medication use, stressful life events, and sociocultural context. Participants will be screened during the second or third trimester and enrolled during the third trimester, before week 30 weeks of gestation. Participants may self- identify through study advertisements in participating clinics, social media outlets, and community outreach efforts. Enrolled participants will undergo blood collection during their 3rd trimester (\~27-30 weeks, a standard pregnancy-related blood collection timepoint) for completion of the Enlighten Device test, the blood-based epigenetic biomarker test. Participants will then be interviewed at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postpartum for the development of depression symptoms. They'll also complete a multitude of other outcome measures at each of these visits.

Who this study is looking for

In plain language, from the study's own rules. The study team confirms the full details with you — this isn't a final yes or no.

✅ You may be able to join if…

  • Pregnant (singleton pregnancy).
  • Less than 30 weeks pregnant when enrolled.
  • Age 18 or older.
  • Can provide written consent in English.

🚫 You may not be able to join if…

  • Anyone the study team or the main investigator decides is unsafe to participate in the study protocol.

Are you a good fit?

Simplified highlights. The study team always confirms the full details with you.

  • Adults roughly 18–any age

What to expect, step by step

  1. 1

    Usually a few weeks

    The study team checks whether the study is a good fit for you, with a visit and sometimes lab tests. You can ask any questions before deciding.

  2. 2

    Treatment

    If you join and choose to continue, you receive the study treatment and are watched closely by medical staff.

  3. 3

    Follow-up

    After treatment, the team checks on your health and confirms the visit schedule with you. You can leave the study at any point.

Has this treatment been tested before?

The study team can share what safety testing has been done so far.

What you need to know before you apply

What is this study testing?+

The goal of this observational study is to develop a blood test that may be predictive of postpartum depression. This Blood test is investigational and not yet FDA approved.

Is it safe? Who makes sure of that?+

This is a research study. Every study is reviewed and monitored by an independent ethics board (called an IRB) whose job is to protect participants, and care is overseen by licensed medical staff. You'll be told the known risks before you agree to anything, and you can stop at any time.

Will I get a placebo instead of the real treatment?+

Some studies compare a treatment against a placebo (an inactive version), and some don't. If this one does, the study team will explain your chances of receiving the active treatment before you decide. Nothing is hidden from you.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications?+

It depends on the study. Some let you stay on your current medications and some ask you to adjust them. Never stop a medication on your own — the study team will review everything with you first.

Does it cost anything? Will I be paid?+

Study-related care is provided at no cost to you. Some studies also pay for your time; the coordinator can tell you if this one does. You should never be asked to pay to take part.

Do I need insurance? Will anyone ask about my immigration status?+

No. You do not need health insurance to take part in a research study, and you will not be asked about your immigration status to join. Taking part is about whether you're a medical fit for the study.

What if English isn't my first language?+

You have the right to understand everything before you agree. Study sites can often provide materials or an interpreter in your language — you can ask the coordinator for one.

Is my information private?+

Yes. Your health information is only shared with the study sites you choose to be contacted by, and only to help match and enroll you. It is never sold, and you can ask us to delete it at any time.

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT06831968 · Locations: Virginia