Development and outcomes of a therapeutic group for women with postnatal depression

Postnatal depression is a significant problem affecting approximately 14.5% of mothers and has the potential for negative long-term consequences for mothers and their children. Previous research suggests that group interventions using cognitive behavioural techniques can be helpful, providing mothers with strategies to address their problems as well as professional and peer support. This paper describes how a therapeutic group was developed by Health Visitors for mothers with postnatal depression in Oxfordshire. It was hypothesised that women who attended the group would feel better able to manage their mood, that their mood would improve and that attending the group would be a positive and supportive experience for them. Formal outcome measures as well as feedback questionnaires were used to evaluate the group and test these hypotheses as well as provide information to improve the service. An overview of the effectiveness of the group is given here, with the majority of women who attended showing improvement in their mood as well as high satisfaction with the content and processes of the course. The findings are discussed and plans for the future are presented.