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A randomized controlled trial of psychological interventions for postnatal depression
Jeannette Milgrom1, Lisa M Negri, Alan W Gemmill
1Department of Psychology, School of Behavioural Science, University of Melbourne, Australia. jeannette.milgrom@austin.org.au
The British Journal of Clinical Psychology
|December 22, 2005
Summary
Psychological interventions significantly reduce postnatal depression symptoms compared to routine care. Individual therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioural therapy, may offer the greatest benefits for mothers.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Women's Health
Background:
- Postnatal depression (PND) affects many mothers, impacting maternal and infant well-being.
- Routine primary care may not be sufficient for effective PND management.
- Psychological interventions offer a promising avenue for PND treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of psychological interventions against routine primary care for postnatal depression.
- To compare cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) with counselling for PND.
- To assess the effectiveness of group versus individual therapy formats.
Main Methods:
- 192 women diagnosed with depression were recruited from a Melbourne community screening program.
- Participants were randomized to receive cognitive-behavioural therapy, counselling, or routine primary care.
- Interventions lasted 12 weeks and included structured manual adherence and partner sessions.
Main Results:
- Psychological interventions demonstrated superior outcomes in reducing both depression and anxiety symptoms compared to routine care.
- No significant difference was found between counselling and group cognitive-behavioural therapy.
- Individual delivery of psychological interventions appeared to maximize benefits.
Conclusions:
- Psychological interventions are a more effective treatment option than routine care for postnatal depression, yielding clinically significant symptom reduction.
- Counselling and group CBT show comparable effectiveness.
- One-to-one delivery of psychological interventions may enhance treatment outcomes for PND.