196
Views
11
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Article

Group treatment for postpartum depression: a pilot study

&
Pages 852-860 | Published online: 06 Jul 2009
 

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.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.