Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2025

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
Published on: June 13, 2021
The efficacy of antenatal Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for antenatal and postnatal depression: A PRISMA based
Rebecca L Dooley1, John McAloon1
1UTS Family Child Behaviour Clinic, Discipline of Clinical Psychology, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Background:
Considerable research has assessed the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for perinatal depression, however limited attention has been paid to its effectiveness when delivered during pregnancy. The primary aim of this review was to review evidence of the efficacy of CBT interventions delivered antenatally to treat symptoms of depression in women during the antenatal and postnatal periods. The review's secondary aim was to evaluate potential moderators of treatment outcome.
Methods:
Electronic Databases; CINAHL, PsycINFO, Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for studies that employed CBT in response to symptoms of depression in pregnant women. Randomized control trials were included if they compared outcomes for pregnant women with outcomes of inactive controls. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted on n = 12 eligible studies.
Results:
CBT yielded statistically significant, within and between groups' effects on depressive symptoms during the antenatal period. CBT delivered at that time also yielded smaller yet statistically significant within and between groups' effects on depressive symptoms experienced postnatally. CBT was found to be more effective for women of greater age, higher number of weeks gestation, or who were multiparous. The facilitator of treatment, delivery mode, the assessment measures used to evaluate treatment outcome, and symptom severity also moderated treatment outcome.
Limitations:
Significant publication bias and heterogeneity were evident across studies indicating a need to focus future research.
Conclusions:
Overall, findings support the use of CBT delivered antenatally to reduce depression experienced during, and following, pregnancy.
Related Concept Videos
Cognitive Therapy
Depression: Overview
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Regression Toward the Mean
Interpersonal Psychotherapy

