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Non-pharmacological interventions for perinatal parental depression and anxiety: a systematic review and network
Yuehe Huang1, Huan Ding1, Xiangyu Yao1
1School of Nursing, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan, 611137, China.
Background:
Perinatal depression and anxiety exhibit significant partner interdependence and family-level ramifications, constituting a family issue concerning both parents. However, existing evidence syntheses have predominantly examined maternal or paternal mental health in isolation, neglecting the systemic integrity of the family unit.
Objective:
To conduct the first Bayesian network meta-analysis to evaluate and rank non-pharmacological interventions delivered concurrently to both parents for perinatal depression and anxiety.
Methods:
Seven databases were searched from inception to May 30, 2025. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which both perinatal parents received the same non-pharmacological intervention and depression or anxiety was assessed. A Bayesian network meta-analysis was conducted following PRISMA guidelines.
Prospero:
CRD420251048539.
Results:
We included 36 RCTs involving 15,477 parents (51.8% mothers and 48.2% fathers/partners). For depression, multicomponent interventions (SMD = -0.34, 95% CrI [-0.60, -0.08]; SUCRA = 79.86%) and psychosocial interventions (SMD = -0.25, 95% CrI [-0.43, -0.07]; SUCRA = 60.83%) showed beneficial estimates. For anxiety, multicomponent interventions (SMD = -0.48, 95% CrI [-0.66, -0.29]; SUCRA = 98.12%) and parent-child interaction interventions (SMD = -0.19, 95% CrI [-0.36, -0.03]; SUCRA = 62.69%) showed beneficial estimates. Certainty of evidence ranged from low to moderate.
Conclusion:
Multicomponent interventions may be preferred across both symptom domains, while parent-child interaction and psychosocial interventions may offer symptom-specific benefits. Because the networks were sparse, comparisons were predominantly indirect, heterogeneity was substantial, and evidence certainty was low to moderate, these findings are provisional. They support family-centered care involving both parents and require further rigorous head-to-head trials.