New Postpartum Depression Treatment Shows Promise Without Medication

UT Austin clinical trial tests fast-acting, non-drug therapy for new mothers

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin are conducting a clinical trial for a new treatment for postpartum depression that doesn't require medication, anesthesia, or talk therapy. The treatment, called SAINT neuromodulation, uses MRI-guided magnetic pulses to target mood-regulating regions of the brain. Earlier research found nearly 80% of patients improved in just a few days. Backed by over $11 million from the Department of Defense, the trial is now enrolling Central Texas mothers who gave birth within the past year.

Why it matters

Postpartum depression affects about 500,000 women in the U.S. each year, and current treatments like therapy or antidepressants can take weeks to work. Some medications also pass into breast milk, leading some mothers to delay care. This new fast-acting, non-drug treatment could provide a much-needed alternative for new mothers during a vulnerable period.

The details

The SAINT neuromodulation therapy involves 10 minutes of MRI-guided magnetic stimulation followed by 50 minutes of rest, repeated hourly for a full day of treatment over 5 consecutive days. Participants first undergo an MRI so clinicians can precisely target the mood-regulating region of the brain. Unlike older treatments like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), SAINT uses magnetic pulses instead of electrical shocks and does not induce seizures or require anesthesia.

  • The clinical trial is now enrolling Central Texas mothers who gave birth within the last 12 months.
  • The 5-day SAINT treatment protocol is conducted Monday through Friday, totaling roughly 10 hours per day.

The players

Dr. Jeff Newport

Site principal investigator and a professor in UT Austin's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.

Ambreen Rana

Research associate demonstrating the SAINT machine.

Ryan Donovan

Researcher demonstrating the SAINT machine.

University of Texas at Austin

The institution conducting the clinical trial of the SAINT neuromodulation therapy.

Department of Defense

Provided over $11.6 million in funding for the nationwide study on the SAINT treatment for postpartum depression.

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What they’re saying

“Women are at risk for experiencing an episode of depression during the postpartum period at greater rates than at any other point in their life.”

— Dr. Jeff Newport, Site principal investigator and professor (KXAN)

“[Electroconvulsive therapy] probably remains the single most effective treatment for depression that has ever been developed, but SAINT is fundamentally different.”

— Dr. Jeff Newport, Site principal investigator and professor (KXAN)

“What's really important is not only that we see improvement or hopefully complete resolution of their depression, but that the benefit is sustained.”

— Dr. Jeff Newport, Site principal investigator and professor (KXAN)

What’s next

After the 5-day SAINT treatment, researchers will follow patients for up to 6 months to ensure any improvement is long-lasting.

The takeaway

This new fast-acting, non-drug treatment for postpartum depression could provide a much-needed alternative for new mothers during a vulnerable period, without the drawbacks of medications or more intensive therapies like electroconvulsive therapy.