Quetiapine Versus Trazadone in Women With Postpartum Depression

What this study is about

Postpartum depression is a serious disorder that affects approximately 17% of women who have recently given birth. Untreated postpartum depression can negatively affect the mother, the infant, and the family. Lack of sleep is common after delivery and can trigger or worsen depression in some women. Trazodone is used for sleeplessness and depression, but it has not been studied for postpartum depression. There is preliminary evidence that quetiapine, another drug used for depression and sleeplessness, may be effective for postpartum depression. We are planning a study to compare the effectiveness and side effects of quetiapine and trazodone in women with postpartum depression. The results of this study will help us carry out larger studies comparing these drugs with a placebo (a sugar pill) in postpartum depression. We expect the results of our study will improve the mental health of mothers and the well-being of their babies and make it easier for healthcare staff to select the right drug for women with postpartum depression.

Who can join (things the study team will check)

✅ You may be able to join if…

• Outpatients between ages 18 and 45 years who are within 6 months of delivering a child and have a DSM-5-TR diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) with peripartum onset, a 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) score of >18 at both the screening and baseline visits, can communicate in English, and can provide informed consent will be included.

🚫 You may not be able to join if…

• Women with schizophrenia spectrum or other psychotic disorders, bipolar and related disorders, eating disorders, substance-related and addictive disorders; and those at high risk for suicide (actively suicidal or with a score of ≥ 3 on item #3 on the HDRS) will be excluded. Women with a physical illness that is a contraindication to the use of quetiapine, or who have a history of intolerance or nonresponse to quetiapine will also be excluded.

Where this trial is running

• Parkwood Institute, London, Ontario, Canada