Thank you for your interest in the Beating the Blues before Birth (BBB) study.
Recruitment for this study has now concluded.
Study Status
Recruitment: Closed
Data collection: Ongoing
Results: To be published in peer-reviewed journals
We thank all current and former participants for their invaluable contribution. Their participation will help improve understanding of effective treatments for depression during pregnancy and outcomes for mothers and babies.
The BBB study is a government-funded research project evaluating the benefits of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) during pregnancy for mothers and babies. CBT is an evidence-based treatment that can help improve mood, manage stress, and support the transition to parenthood.
Participants in the study received a clinical assessment and were randomly assigned to one of two study groups: eight sessions of CBT treatment or Treatment as Usual, where participants could continue seeking treatment independently if they wished.
The BBB study was available to women across Australia.
Data collection is ongoing, and findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals once available.
A testimony by a Treatment as Usual participant:
“I have really valued being a part of this project. Not only has it allowed me the opportunity to potentially help women who experience the very daunting and challenging task of facing depression during a period of time we are all told should be the most beautiful time of our lives, it has also allowed me to critically observe my own experiences in a way that helped me make sense of them. At all times I felt a valued and supported member of the research.”
FAQ’s
Note: Recruitment for the BBB study has now concluded. The information below describes how the study was conducted.
Participants in the Beating the Blues Before Birth study received:
- A clinical assessment to determine whether the study was suitable for them
- Eight sessions of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) delivered by a psychologist via telehealth or face-to-face, or referral to their GP or other health professionals for support
- Monitoring of their mental health until two years after birth
- A report on their child’s motor and cognitive development at the final follow-up (two years of age)
The study was designed for women who were:
- Experiencing depression based on a telephone clinical assessment
- Less than 30 weeks pregnant
- Over 18 years of age
- Fluent in English
- Willing to allow the results of the clinical assessment to be shared with their health professional (for example, GP, midwife or obstetrician)
Women who were interested in participating completed a short registration form through the study website. A psychologist then contacted them to discuss the study and conduct a telephone assessment to determine whether the study was suitable.
Participants who met the study criteria were randomly assigned to one of two study groups: CBT treatment or Treatment as Usual, where participants were referred to their GP or another health professional for support.
Participants in the Treatment as Usual group were encouraged to continue seeking treatment independently while remaining in the study.
Participants were asked to complete questionnaires at four time points, with the final follow-up conducted two years after their child’s birth. Participants received $40 for each completed questionnaire (up to $160 in total).
The Beating the Blues Before Birth study evaluated the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for treating depression during pregnancy and its potential benefits for both mothers and their children.
CBT is an evidence-based treatment for depression that can help people manage low mood, cope with stress, and improve overall wellbeing.
The BBB study is evaluating:
- Whether CBT can effectively reduce symptoms of depression during pregnancy
- How treatment during pregnancy may influence maternal wellbeing
- Potential longer-term outcomes for children’s development
Participant involvement also contributed to advancing research on effective treatments for depression during pregnancy.
Refer a Patient (Recruitment Phase)
During the recruitment phase of the BBB study, clinicians were able to refer patients experiencing depression during pregnancy using a clinician referral form. A study psychologist then contacted the patient to conduct a telephone assessment to determine whether the study was suitable.
Recruitment for the BBB study has now concluded.