When she says "no" to medication: psychotherapy for antepartum depression

Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2011 Dec;13(6):459-66. doi: 10.1007/s11920-011-0230-2.

Abstract

Many women suffering from major depressive disorder during pregnancy are hesitant to initiate or continue antidepressant treatment during preconception planning, conception, pregnancy, and lactation (perinatal period). Over the past few decades, various psychotherapeutic approaches have been found to be efficacious for depression in general population research. Several observational and quasi-experimental studies also suggest that psychotherapy can be a safe first-line treatment for perinatal women with mild to moderate depression. This article summarizes findings to date regarding the use of psychotherapy for depression occurring during pregnancy and describes the adaptations made to tailor the treatment to the unique needs of women in the perinatal period.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Depressive Disorder / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Psychotherapy / methods*
  • Social Support