NCT07485036 · University of Illinois at Chicago
Maternal Outcomes: Mood, Alcohol Use, and Depressive Symptoms
(MOMS-AD)
What this study is about
This study aims to learn about depression and alcohol use in postpartum mothers and whether an intervention based on contingency management and problem-solving therapy (CM-PST) can help reduce these symptoms. The main questions it seeks to answer are: 1. How do new mothers fare with depressive symptoms and alcohol use in the first 12 months after giving birth? 2.
View original scientific description
This study aims to learn about depression and alcohol use in postpartum mothers and whether an intervention based on contingency management and problem-solving therapy (CM-PST) can help reduce these symptoms. The main questions it seeks to answer are: 1. How do new mothers fare with depressive symptoms and alcohol use in the first 12 months after giving birth? 2. Will a CM-PST intervention reduce depressive symptoms and alcohol use frequency among new mothers? 3. Is a CM-PST intervention practical for new mothers? The researchers will recruit approximately 30 new mothers and randomly select half to attend a 6-week CM-PST intervention. They will compare those who received the intervention versus those who did not to see if there are any differences in their depressive symptoms and alcohol usage.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Contingency Management & Problem Solving Therapy
A 6-week online CM-PST course delivered through video conferencing calls consisting of 4 educational sessions, combined with 2x weekly at-home drug testing to monitor the reduction in alcohol use and reduced depression symptoms.
OTHER
Usual Care
Participants randomized to the usual care condition will continue to receive standard postpartum care from their obstetrician-gynecologist, consistent with routine clinical practice. No additional psychological intervention will be provided as part of the study.
Primary outcome measures
Change in postpartum depression symptoms
Time frame: Screening, Baseline, 3 months
Participants will take the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at screening, baseline and at 3 months to assess changes in mental health and depressive symptoms. This is reported on a scale of 0-30; a higher score indicates a higher likelihood of postpartum depression.
Alcohol use test results
Time frame: Baseline, Weekly, 3 months
Participants' alcohol use will be monitored and assessed with urine drug tests at baseline, 2x weekly throughout the duration of the 6-week intervention, and at 3 months.
Change in alcohol use screening status
Time frame: Screening, Baseline, 3 months
Participants will take the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) at the time of screening, baseline and at 3 months. This is reported on a scale of 0-40; a higher score indicates a higher likelihood of moderate to severe alcohol use.
Change in alcohol-related negative consequences
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months
Participants will take the Rutgers Alcohol Problems Index (RAPI) at baseline and at 3 months to assess changes in problems related to alcohol use. This is reported on a scale of 0-72; a higher score indicates a higher likelihood of alcohol-related negative consequences in everyday life.
Change in alcohol use
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months
Participants will take the Timeline Follow Back (TLFB) questionnaire at baseline and at 3 months to assess changes in alcohol use.
Change in reasons for drinking
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months
Participants will take the Drinking Motive Questionnaire-Revised (DMQ-R) at baseline and at 3 months to assess changes in alcohol use motivations. This is reported on a scale of 20-100; a higher score indicates stronger motivations for alcohol use.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Biologically female
- Age ≥18 years
- Within 12 months postpartum
- Able to provide informed consent
Exclusion criteria
- Serious medical or psychiatric conditions requiring hospitalization
- Lifetime DSM-5 diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or any psychiatric disorder
- Current use of psychoactive drugs, medication to treat problematic alcohol use, or depression
- Participation in past 6 months in problematic alcohol use or substance use treatment
- Unable to provide consent
Where
- Chicago, Illinois
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Oct 13, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations