Research

Clinical research is critical to the advancement of perinatal mental health treatment. Our program has several ongoing clinical research studies aimed at improving treatments for perinatal mental health and substance use problems. Below are brief descriptions of ongoing studies and opportunities to participate in clinical research.

Improving Maternal Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Screening and Treatment

The purpose of this research study is to compare a text message-based screening and referral program for mental health and substance use disorders and intimate partner violence, called Listening to Women and Pregnant and Postpartum People (LTWP), to standard of care in-person mental health, substance use and intimate partner violence screening and referral. The MUSC study team will collect mental health and substance use screening, referral and treatment data on participants and participants will take part in online surveys.

You may be eligible to join if:

You are age 18-45 years old
You are pregnant and receive prenatal care in one of MUSC's OB clinics

For more information and to see if you qualify, please contact the study team at 843-872-2439 or wrbhr@musc.edu.

Accelerated Theta Burst Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) for the Treatment of Postpartum Depression

This study is for those who are currently experiencing postpartum depression. The goal of the study is to see if postpartum women are willing to take part in an accelerated course of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).

You may be eligible to join if you:

Are female aged 18 or above
Are experiencing depression following the birth of a child

For more information and to see if you qualify, please contact our study team at 843-792-8274

Impact of Stress and Craving on Return to Cannabis Use in Postpartum Women

The purpose of this study is to investigate how stress and craving in the postpartum period impact women’s return to cannabis use. You will be asked to complete surveys through a smartphone app and to collect saliva samples for hormone and cannabis testing prior to giving birth, and at 1 and 3 months postpartum.

You may be eligible if you:

Are 18-45 years old
Are pregnant
Used cannabis regularly prior to becoming pregnant

For more information and to see if you qualify please contact our study team at 843-792-0107.

Listening to Women and Pregnant and Postpartum People: Gathering Feedback from American Indian and Hispanic Women

The purpose of this research study is to gather feedback via focus groups/individual interviews and surveys from American Indian and Hispanic pregnant and postpartum people about 1) mental health and substance use concerns and 2) a text message based mental health and substance use disorder screening, referral and treatment program for pregnant and postpartum people called Listening to Women & Pregnant and Postpartum People (LTWP). By gaining the feedback of American Indian and Hispanic people we hope to improve mental health and substance use screening, referral and treatment for these populations. Participation involves approximately 1 hour of time.

You may be eligible to join if you:

Are 18-45 years old
Self-identify as American Indian or Hispanic
Are currently pregnant or had a baby in the past two years

For more information and to see if you qualify, please contact the study team at 843-872-2439 or broty@musc.edu.

HEAR 4 Mamas

The purpose of this study is to learn if a program for new moms can improve detection of complications after delivery and help women get medical care quickly and easily. Participants will be asked to complete a survey at the time of enrollment and at 3 additional times. All surveys can be completed via cell-phone or email. All women will be followed for 1-year after delivery. Women that enroll will be assigned to one of two groups: usual in person care OR usual in-person care PLUS the HEAR 4 Mamas program (text message-based program that will ask about signs and symptoms of complications that may occur after delivery). If there is a concern, a nurse advocate will call on the phone to discuss options and help refer to care if needed. Participants will be paid for their time in completing surveys.

You may be eligible to join if you:

Are 16-49 years old
Delivered a baby in the last two weeks in South Carolina
Insured by Medicaid

For more information and to see if you qualify, please contact the study team at 843-998-5635 or HEAR4mamas@musc.edu.

EMPWR: Treatment Retention in Medication for Opioid Use Disorder Among Pregnant and Postpartum Women

The purpose of this research study is to learn about a new treatment program for pregnant and postpartum people called EMpowering Pregnant Women and people Receiving buprenorphine (EMPWR). EMPWR is a brief therapy program and a mobile application. We want to learn if this program helps pregnant people manage their opioid use disorder in the transition to parenthood. Compensation is provided.

You may be eligible to join if:

You are age 18-45 years old
You are pregnant in your first or second trimester (before 27 weeks gestation)
You have a current prescription for buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex, Zubsolv)
You live in South Carolina

For more information and to see if you qualify, please contact the study team at 843-214-4496 or dilawarm@musc.edu.

South Carolina Pilot Program for Treatment of Perinatal Substance Use Disorders

The purpose of the study is to better understand if providing support from a Peer Recovery Doula during pregnancy and postpartum for birthing people who have substance use disorder may improve their well-being and recovery. A Peer Recovery Doula is someone who is certified as a community-based doula and a peer support specialist. Participants in the study will receive support from a doula and the MUSC study team will collect online surveys. You may be eligible to join if:

• You are age 16-45 years
• Are currently pregnant under 25 weeks
• Have a substance use disorder or misuse substances

For more information and to see if you qualify, please contact the study team at kingce@musc.edu.