Internet-based behavioral activation--treatment for postnatal depression (Netmums): a randomized controlled trial.

Area of Science:

• Mental Health
• Digital Therapeutics
• Perinatal Psychiatry

Background:

• Postnatal depression (PND) is prevalent, yet help-seeking remains low.
• The internet offers a potential avenue for increasing timely access to PND treatment.
• Internet-based Behavioral Activation (iBA) is a minimal intervention adapted for PND.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of an internet-based Behavioral Activation (iBA) program for postnatal depression (PND).
• To assess recruitment, trial adherence, and treatment effectiveness of the Postnatal-iBA intervention.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 910 women with PND recruited via a UK parenting website.
• Participants were assigned to either Postnatal-iBA or treatment-as-usual (TAU).
• Feasibility and effectiveness were evaluated based on recruitment, adherence, and depression scores (EPDS).

Main Results:

• Excellent recruitment was achieved, with 961 eligible women signing up.
• Thirty-eight percent of participants completed the 15-week outcome assessment.
• Among completers, the Postnatal-iBA group showed a lower rate of depression (EPDS >12) compared to TAU.

Conclusions:

• The Postnatal-iBA program is feasible for community delivery via parenting websites.
• The intervention shows promise for treating PND among women who complete outcome assessments.
• High attrition necessitates strategies to improve outcome completion in future trials.