Computer- or web-based interventions for perinatal mental health: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Perinatal Mental Health
• Digital Health Interventions
• Evidence Synthesis

Background:

• Access to perinatal mental health treatment is limited.
• Computer- and web-based interventions are effective for various mental health disorders.
• Effectiveness for perinatal women has not been systematically reviewed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a first overview of digital interventions for perinatal mental health.
• To systematically review characteristics and efficacy of these interventions.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search across twelve electronic databases.
• Inclusion of published and unpublished studies.
• Data extraction on intervention characteristics, study findings, and methodological quality.

Main Results:

• Eleven studies, mostly randomized controlled trials, were eligible.
• Interventions targeted antenatal/postpartum depression, stress, and grief.
• Digital interventions may be effective for improving mental health, especially depression and grief.

Conclusions:

• This review is the first synthesis of digital interventions for perinatal mental health.
• Preliminary support suggests digital interventions are a promising treatment option.
• Significant evidence gaps necessitate further research due to heterogeneity and methodological limitations.