Evaluating the effectiveness of a brief group cognitive behavioural therapy intervention for perinatal depression

Arch Womens Ment Health. 2017 Feb;20(1):225-228. doi: 10.1007/s00737-016-0666-9. Epub 2016 Sep 10.

Abstract

Little is known about the effectiveness of group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in women with perinatal depression (PND) and psychiatric comorbidities. Thirty-four women with PND (sixty-two percent with comorbidity) completed a 9-week CBT group. Eighty percent showed a clinically significant improvement in depressive symptoms. Meaningful gains in social support, mother-infant bonding, and partner relationship quality were seen. Brief group CBT can be effective in the treatment of PND in women with psychiatric comorbidities and may be a less resource-intensive alternative to individual psychotherapy.

Keywords: Cognitive therapy; Depression; Group; Postpartum; Pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Canada
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods*
  • Depression / psychology
  • Depression / therapy*
  • Depression, Postpartum / prevention & control
  • Depression, Postpartum / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Mother-Child Relations
  • Mothers / psychology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy Complications / psychology
  • Psychotherapy, Group / methods*
  • Quality of Life*
  • Social Support
  • Treatment Outcome