Boston,
Massachusetts
02114
Purpose:
The purpose of the Preconception and Pregnancy Obesity Treatment and Prevention Among Women
with A History of Depression preliminary study is to provide a lifestyle intervention for
women with a history of depression who are trying to conceive or are pregnant in order to
prevent excessive pre-pregnancy weights, avoid excessive gestational weight gain, and to
improve other markers of metabolic health. The treatment program consists of 10 private
sessions with a trained clinician at no cost to participants.
Study summary:
The investigators are evaluating a new lifestyle intervention to help women with a history of
depression who are pregnant or trying to conceive to learn to exercise, eat well, and live a
healthy lifestyle. They are interested in examining if this therapy-based program can
positively impact eating and exercising habits and see if the treatment is enjoyable. All
participants will receive this intervention.
Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:
- History of depression
- Pregnant in first trimester or planning to become pregnant within next year
- Ability to give informed consent
- Age > or = 18 and < 45 years
- Overweight or obese (Body mass index > 25 kg/m^2)
Exclusion Criteria:
- Unwilling/unable to comply with study procedures
- Endorsed item on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q)
- Diagnosis of anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa in the past month
- Diagnosis of substance dependence in the past month
- Active suicidality (Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) item 10 score >
4)
- Exercising regularly (i.e., 5 days per week for 30 min)
- Neurologic disorder or history of head trauma
- Contraindications to exercise or diet interventions (e.g., co-morbid nutritional and
metabolic diseases, physical injuries, contraindications to exercise for pregnant
women)