Evaluation of the impact of a CBT-based group on maternal postnatal mental health difficulties

Abstract

Objective: Postnatal mental health difficulties such as depression and anxiety are common. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)-based group programme on levels of maternal postnatal mental health difficulties. Background: Postnatal mental health difficulties are a problem for both mother and child. Postnatal depression has an adverse effect on the mother–infant relationship and the infant’s subsequent emotional and cognitive development. Psychological interventions such as CBT are recommended in the treatment of postnatal depression and anxiety disorders. The research base for group interventions and interventions for postnatal anxiety is limited. Method: This study has a repeated measures design. Thirty-three Positive Steps group participants completed a pre- and post-group Adult Wellbeing Scale. Results: Participants had significantly improved scores on the depression, anxiety, inward- and outward-directed irritability subscales of the Adult Wellbeing Scale at post-group. The proportion of participants whose scores were high enough to indicate a problem in each subscale decreased. Conclusion: Participants had significant improvements in their mental health symptoms at post-group assessment. The group appears to be an effective treatment, but results should be interpreted with caution due to the lack of a control group.

Keywords:

• mother(s)
• postnatal depression