Psychoeducation as an active ingredient for interventions for perinatal depression and anxiety in youth: a mixed-method systematic literature review and lived experience synthesis

Abstract

Background Psychoeducation is a common element in psychological interventions for youth depression and anxiety, but evidence about its use with youth perinatally is limited. Aims This review aims to understand outcomes and mechanisms of psychoeducation for the indicated prevention and treatment of perinatal depression and anxiety in youth. Method For this review, we synthesised published quantitative and qualitative evidence. Seven databases (ASSIA, Medline, PubMed, PsycINFO, PsycArticles, Scopus and Web of Science) were searched for studies published before 10 August 2021. We also had consultations with a youth advisory group (N = 12). Results In total, 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. Seven quantitative studies examined multicomponent interventions that included psychoeducation, and one study evaluated psychoeducation as a standalone intervention for postnatal depression. Multicomponent interventions showed significant effects on postnatal depression in two out of six studies, as well as being effective at reducing prenatal anxiety in one study. Standalone psychoeducation for postnatal depression was also effective in one study. Evidence from 12 qualitative studies, corroborated by commentaries from the youth advisory group, suggested that psychoeducation could increase knowledge about symptoms, generate awareness of relevant services and enhance coping. Conclusions Psychoeducation may be an important foundational ingredient of interventions for perinatal depression and, potentially, anxiety in adolescents and young adults through stimulating help-seeking and self-care.