Research

St John of God Health Care has a strong commitment to advancing research in the field of perinatal mental health. This research provides us with important information about the nature of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and other emotional health issues experienced during pregnancy and following birth.

What are the benefits of joining in our research?
Participating in research can be a great way to hear about new studies and information as it becomes available. Our studies focus in particular on how mood can fluctuate during the perinatal period and the relationship between mothers and their infants. Some involve following developmental milestones across the early years of your child's life.

Research findings can also enhance the expertise of clinicians, inform new treatment programs, and help us identify new research questions that can be examined in the future.

While we cannot guarantee that you will receive any benefits from a particular study, many women appreciate feedback regarding changes in mood during the antenatal and postnatal period, as well as their baby's development. Other women who have participated in our past projects have also said that they are happy to participate if it means new knowledge can be used to help others.

What will I be asked to do?
This will be different for each research program. Our research participants are usually asked to fill in questionnaires; some also involve a clinical interview, others involve observation. Some of our research programs follow mothers and families over time  from pregnancy through to the first year or two after having a baby. See our Mood Disorders,  Medication in Pregnancy, Mother Infant Bonding  for more information.
It is important to know that in any publication or report, information will be provided in such a way that research participants cannot be identified.

Current research programs
We need women from all walks of life, so click on the links below to see if you might be eligible for one of our current research programs.
You decide if you'd like to be involved or not - the decision is entirely yours.

All our research programs have been approved by the St John of God Health Care or UNSW Human Research Ethics Committee.

Where do I find more information?
Please call (02) 9715 9224 to speak with Nicole Reilly our Perinatal Research Coordinator, or email her at info.burwood@sjog.org.au.

You can also visit Mood Disorders,  Medication in Pregnancy, Mother Infant Bonding for more information.