Group Treatment for Postpartum Depression: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Objective: There are few reports on the efficacy of treatment programs for women with postpartum depression, despite the long-term nature of this disorder. This study describes a pilot evaluation of a treatment program with educational, social support and cognitive-behavioural components. Method: Ten women with persistent depression originating in the postpartum period were offered a 10-week group treatment program and compared to a wait-list control group. Results: Following treatment, a significant improvement in depression was demonstrated on the Edinburgh Post-Natal Depression Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Profile of Mood States. Several common factors in women suffering from postpartum depression were also identified, as were drop-out characteristics. Conclusion: These results are encouraging and suggest that a cognitive-behavioural group program might be effective as a treatment for depression in the postpartum period. However, further detailed studies are required to confirm this pilot study.