Psychological and Physiological Impact of a Mindfulness-based Intervention on Anxiety Disorders During the Postpartum Period
This research is looking into how a 4-week mindfulness programme can help mothers who are experiencing anxiety after having a baby. It's a common problem, affecting up to 20% of new mothers, causing both emotional and physical symptoms. Current treatments often help with some things like feeling less worried or sad, but they don't always help with managing emotions or understanding physical feelings in the body, which are important parts of anxiety. This study will check if a new mindfulness course can improve anxiety symptoms, help mothers better manage their emotions, and become more aware of how anxiety shows up in their body. We'll use surveys and special brain scans to measure how well it works. If successful, this intervention could offer a broader and more complete way to help mothers with postpartum anxiety.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Many new mothers experience anxiety after giving birth, sometimes called postpartum anxiety (PPA). It can affect up to 1 in 5 mothers in the first year and can cause a mix of worrying thoughts, low mood, and physical feelings like a racing heart. While some help is available, it often focuses mainly on the emotional side of things. However, anxiety can also make it hard to manage emotions or notice and understand what your body is telling you.
This study wants to explore a new approach: a 4-week mindfulness course. Mindfulness is about focusing on the present moment and can help you become more aware of both your thoughts and your body. We believe this course could help mothers better cope with their anxiety, improve how they manage their feelings, and become more in tune with their body's signals, offering a more complete way to feel better.
To see if it works, we'll ask participants to fill out questionnaires about their feelings and experiences. We'll also use special brain scans, called fMRI, which help us see how the brain is working. By using both personal reports and brain scans, we hope to get a very clear picture of how much this mindfulness course can help mothers struggling with anxiety after childbirth.
Key takeaways
- A 4-week mindfulness course for new mothers with anxiety.
- Aims to help with emotional control and body awareness.
- Uses questionnaires and brain scans (fMRI) to check for improvements.
- Open to mothers 18+ who had a baby in the last year.
- Hope to offer a more complete way to support mothers with anxiety.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for mothers or birthing parents who are 18 years or older and have had a baby within the last year (0 to 12 months postpartum). To join, you would need to have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. It's okay if you also have depression, as long as anxiety is your main concern. You also need to be fluent in English and be able to understand written information at around an 8th-grade level.
There are a few things that would mean you couldn't join. For example, if you are currently pregnant, or if you have severe depression that needs immediate help, or serious mental health conditions like psychosis. Also, if you have certain metal objects in your body like a pacemaker, or if you get very anxious in small enclosed spaces (claustrophobia), you wouldn't be able to have the brain scans. If you're taking medication for your mental health, that's generally okay, as long as the dose has been stable for at least 8 weeks before the study starts and stays stable throughout.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- I am 18 years old or older.
- I had my baby between 0 and 12 months ago.
- I have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder (PPA).
- I can read and understand English well.
- I am not currently pregnant.
- I do not have metal implants that would prevent an MRI scan.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll join a 4-week mindfulness course. Before starting the course, you'll complete some questionnaires and have a brain scan. You'll do the questionnaires again right after the course finishes and then once more four weeks later. You'll also have another brain scan immediately after the course. The researchers will be able to explain the exact timings and where you'll need to go for the brain scans. Throughout the study, if you are taking medication, it's important that the dosage remains stable.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Women's Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare HamiltonVerified postcodeHamilton, Canada· Recruiting
- Women's Health Concerns, St. Joseph's Healthcare HamiltonVerified postcodeHamilton, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a practice where you learn to focus on the present moment, paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and body sensations without judgment.
What is postpartum anxiety?
Postpartum anxiety is a common experience for new mothers involving excessive worry, fear, and sometimes physical symptoms that occur after giving birth.
What does a brain scan (fMRI) involve?
An fMRI is a special type of scan that uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of your brain activity while you are lying in a machine.
Do I need to stop my current medication?
No, you don't need to stop your medication. However, your medication type and dose should have been stable for at least 8 weeks before the study and remain stable throughout.
How much time will this study take up?
The study involves a 4-week mindfulness course, plus time for three sets of questionnaires and two brain scans. The researchers will give you a detailed schedule.
How to find out more
Sheryl M Green, Ph.D., C.Psych
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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