This study is testing a treatment called SAINT (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy) for women experiencing postpartum depression (PPD). SAINT is a fast-acting type of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), which uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain. Researchers want to see if SAINT can reduce depression symptoms more effectively than a sham (inactive) treatment. The study plans to include 192 women, aged 18-45, who are 0-12 months postpartum and have depression that hasn't improved with usual care. The main goal is to measure changes in depression severity after 5 days of treatment using a scale called the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS).

Study design

This is a multi-site, randomized study comparing SAINT to a sham treatment in 192 women. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the active SAINT treatment or the sham treatment.

What's involved

Participants will receive 10 daily sessions of SAINT or sham stimulation over 5 days. Their depression symptoms will be assessed at the start of the study and 5 days after treatment.

Compensation

Not stated in the trial record.

Follow-up

Participants will be followed for up to 12 months after giving birth. The primary outcome is measured 5 days post-acute treatment.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.