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UMass Chan Medical School to ⁣Test Noninvasive Therapy for Postpartum Depression

January 23, 2026 – In a meaningful advancement for maternal⁤ mental health, UMass Chan Medical School has been selected as one of four national sites to evaluate SAINT neuromodulation, a novel, noninvasive therapy for treatment-resistant postpartum depression (PPD). The study is funded by the Department of Defence.

Understanding SAINT Neuromodulation

SAINT (Stimulated Anterior cingulate Transcranial magnetic stimulation) neuromodulation, developed by Magnus Medical, has received FDA clearance for major depressive disorder. ⁣ A previous controlled study demonstrated that approximately 80% of participants experiencing major depression achieved rapid remission with⁢ this therapy. Research published in the American Journal of Psychiatry details the positive outcomes observed in these earlier trials.

Promising Results and Individualized Treatment

Dr. Kimberly A.⁢ Yonkers, Katz Family Chair in Psychiatry and Chair of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at UMass Chan, ⁢emphasizes the potential⁢ of SAINT therapy. “The⁤ study results are⁢ promising for women with severe ⁢depression and could offer relief to postpartum patients ⁤who have⁢ not found an effective treatment,” she stated. The therapy utilizes brain imaging to‍ precisely target mood-related⁢ brain regions, allowing for individualized treatment plans.

The Scope of Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression affects approximately one in eight women in the United States, according to the Centers for disease control and Prevention (CDC). Symptoms ⁤can emerge during⁤ pregnancy‍ or within the months following ⁢childbirth. Current treatments,such as antidepressants and psychotherapy,can take weeks to show improvement⁣ and may pose challenges for breastfeeding mothers.

How SAINT Therapy Works

SAINT therapy involves using magnetic pulses ⁣to stimulate specific brain regions identified ⁢through an initial MRI. The treatment ⁣consists of 10-minute ‍sessions, administered ⁣10 times a day, over five days at an outpatient clinic. ⁢ Many patients experience a noticeable response within a week, and ongoing treatments