Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common mental health condition affecting 10%-30% of new mothers, with serious consequences for both mother and child. Effective prevention is limited by barriers to psychological or pharmacological treatments.
This study evaluates whether short-term 40 Hz light and sound stimulation during and immediately after elective cesarean section can reduce PPD risk. The intervention group receives three 30-minute sessions of combined 40 Hz flashing light and pulsed sound (starting after baby delivery, then at 24 and 48 hours postpartum). The control group receives identical non-flickering light and white noise as placebo.The main outcome is the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score at 42 days postpartum. Secondary outcomes include depression rates, insomnia severity, and anxiety levels.Participants are women aged ≥18 years with single full-term pregnancy scheduled for elective cesarean section. Exclusion criteria include psychiatric disorders, epilepsy, or eye conditions affecting light sensitivity.
If effective, this non-invasive, drug-free intervention could provide a safe and accessible PPD prevention strategy during routine cesarean delivery.
Women scheduled for elective cesarean section under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia;
Age ≥ 18 years;
Singleton, full-term pregnancy;
American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status II-III.
Refusal to sign informed consent;
Prior or current diagnosis of psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc.;
Preoperative Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score ≥ 13 or presence of suicidal ideation;
Current use of antidepressants, antipsychotics, or mood stabilizers;
Parallel
40 Hz Audiovisual Stimulation
DeviceA non-invasive device delivering 40 Hz flickering light (3900-4000K correlated color temperature natural white LED) combined with synchronized 40 Hz pulsed sound . The device is secured to the participant's head via an adjustable headband, with light transmitted through closed eyelids and headphones placed over the ears. Each session lasts 30 minutes.
Placebo Audiovisual Stimulation
DeviceAn identical-appearing non-invasive device delivering continuous non-flickering natural white light (same correlated color temperature 3900-4000K and appearance as the active device) combined with white noise, serving as placebo control. Each session lasts 30 minutes. The device is secured via an adjustable headband with light transmitted through closed eyelids and headphones placed over the ears.
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale Score at 42 Days Postpartum
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a 10-item self-reported questionnaire. Each item is scored 0-3, total score 0-30. Higher scores indicate more severe depressive symptoms.
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale Score at 7 Days Postpartum
EPDS total score (0-30) assessed at 7 days after delivery.
Incidence of Postpartum Depression at 7 and 42 Days
Proportion of participants with EPDS score ≥ 10 at postpartum day 7 and day 42.
Insomnia Severity Index Score at 1, 7, and 42 Days
The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) is a 7-item self-reported questionnaire assessing insomnia severity over the past week. Total score 0-28, higher scores indicate more severe insomnia.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item Scale Score at 1, 7, and 42 Days
The GAD-7 is a 7-item self-reported questionnaire assessing anxiety symptoms. Total score 0-21, higher scores indicate more severe anxiety.
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