The Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences seeks pregnant women (any trimester of pregnancy) ages 18 and older with a history of a mood disorder, including Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar I Disorder, Bipolar II Disorder, or Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified for an observational research study. The purpose of the research study is to try to understand the genetic, biological, and environmental causes of postpartum mood episodes associated with postpartum depression.
The research study involves collection of blood and saliva samples, one at-home blood spot collection, completion of various mood, stress, and sleep surveys, and optional collection of vaginal and fecal samples. After delivery, you’ll also be asked to complete surveys related to your delivery and the health of your baby. The number of research study visits will depend on which trimester of pregnancy you’re in when you enter the research study. Completion of the full research study will consist of 7 visits, 3 during pregnancy and 4 postpartum, lasting from 11 weeks pregnant to 6 months postpartum. Additionally, there will be 1 phone visit during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. The first visit will last 3 to 4 hours with each visit after that lasting up to 1 hour.
Research study-related procedures provided free of charge.
In association with:
Principal Investigator: Richard Lee, PhD
Johns Hopkins Medicine IRB #: IRB00027369
Up to $280 based on number of visits and completion of optional sample collections