Acceptability of psychotherapy and antidepressants for postnatal depression among newly delivered mothers

Abstract

Although some studies suggest the efficacy of psychotherapy or antidepressant drugs for postnatal depression, their acceptability has not been extensively studied. Four hundred and five women consecutively admitted in obstetrical clinics were questioned about acceptability of treatments for postnatal depression using a repeated measures design after delivery, during their stay at the clinic. Mothers completed questionnaires assessing the degree of acceptability of different therapies for postnatal depression before and after receiving information about the current knowledge on antidepressant for postnatal depression and breastfeeding. The different therapies proposed were: psychotherapy by consultation, psychotherapy by home visits and antidepressant medication. The acceptability of antidepressants was significantly lower than either mode of psychotherapy before information was presented about the effects of antidepressants on breastmilk and significantly more so again after the information was given to mothers.