Prenatal Telepsychological Intervention for Preventing Anxiety: A Study Protocol

Area of Science:

• Perinatal mental health
• Clinical psychology
• Digital health interventions

Background:

• Anxiety is common in the perinatal period, impacting maternal and infant health.
• Preventive interventions during this stage are limited.
• Telepsychology offers an accessible solution for remote support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a telepsychology cognitive-behavioral preventive intervention for managing anxiety during pregnancy.
• To assess the intervention's impact on preventing depressive symptoms during pregnancy and postpartum.
• To analyze postpartum anxiety and depressive symptomatology following the intervention.

Main Methods:

• A randomized clinical trial involving pregnant women in Spain.
• Seven weekly one-hour videoconference sessions in small groups (6-8 participants).
• Online questionnaires and clinical interviews administered at five time points (pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 1, 3, 6 months postpartum).

Main Results:

• The primary outcome is the reduction in anxiety scores (Edinburgh Depression Scale-Anxiety Subscale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Screener) in the intervention group compared to the control group.
• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and depressive symptoms (EPDS) will be assessed using the SCID clinical interview and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.
• Data collection spans pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 1, 3, and 6-month follow-ups.

Conclusions:

• The study will determine the acceptability and effectiveness of videoconference-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for pregnant women.
• Positive results could lead to the implementation of this telepsychology intervention within Spanish healthcare.
• This could provide a valuable tool for preventing perinatal anxiety and emotional distress.