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Blended CBT Intervention vs. a Guided Web-Based Intervention for Postpartum Depression: Results From a Pilot
Mariana Branquinho1, Maria Cristina Canavarro1, Ana Fonseca1
1University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Coimbra, Portugal.
Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy
|November 5, 2024
Summary
Both blended and guided web-based interventions effectively reduced postpartum depression symptoms in a pilot study. Therapist support played a key role in the success of these digital mental health treatments.
Area of Science:
- Digital mental health
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
Background:
- Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant concern affecting women's mental health.
- Web-based interventions offer scalable solutions for PPD treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of a blended cognitive behavioral intervention (web-based program + psychologist sessions) for PPD.
- To compare this blended approach against a guided web-based intervention (active control).
Main Methods:
- Pilot randomized controlled trial with adult Portuguese women (up to 12 months postpartum) with depressive symptoms.
- Participants (n=34) were randomized into intervention (blended) or control (guided web-based) groups.
- Self-report questionnaires assessed outcomes at baseline, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- Both interventions were found to be acceptable and useful, with low dropout rates.
- Significant reductions in depressive symptoms and improvements in anxiety, negative thoughts, emotion regulation, self-compassion, and psychological flexibility were observed in both groups.
- Over 80% of participants in both groups showed clinically significant changes in depressive symptoms. Therapeutic alliance was associated with symptom reduction.
Conclusions:
- Both blended and guided web-based interventions demonstrate acceptability, usability, and preliminary effectiveness for treating postpartum depression.
- Therapist support is crucial for the success of both blended and guided web-based interventions.
Keywords:
acceptabilityblended interventionpilot randomized controlled trialpostpartum depressionpreliminary effectivenessMore Related Videos
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