Online peer-delivered group cognitive-behavioral therapy for postpartum depression: A randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Mental Health
• Perinatal Psychiatry
• Digital Therapeutics

Background:

• Postpartum depression (PPD) affects a significant number of mothers, with limited access to evidence-based care.
• Current treatment gaps highlight the need for accessible and effective interventions for PPD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a 9-week, synchronous online group cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention for PPD.
• To assess if the intervention, delivered by peers recovered from PPD, could improve PPD symptoms and associated conditions.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 183 participants in Ontario, Canada, with infants under 12 months and PPD symptoms (EPDS score ≥10).
• Participants were randomized to receive either the online CBT intervention plus treatment as usual (TAU) or TAU alone (waitlist control).
• Outcomes including depression, anxiety, social support, and mother-infant bonding were assessed at baseline, 9 weeks, and 3 months post-intervention.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed statistically significant reductions in PPD (EPDS scores) and generalized anxiety (GAD-7 scores), which were sustained at 3-month follow-up.
• Improvements were also observed in maternal social support, infant-focused anxiety, and infant negative emotionality, with sustained effects.
• Effect sizes for depression and anxiety reductions were large (d=1.32 and d=1.22, respectively).

Conclusions:

• Online peer-delivered group CBT is an effective treatment for PPD and anxiety.
• The intervention improves social support and infant-related outcomes, offering a scalable solution to increase access to care.
• This approach holds promise for improving maternal and family well-being in the perinatal period.