A brief psycho-educational group intervention for postnatal depression
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a controlled psycho-educational group (PEG) intervention for postnatal depression, compared with Routine Primary Care (RPC).
Design and method: The participants were 45 women scoring above 12 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale who were allocated to the study conditions using block randomization procedures. Short- and long-term changes in mood and psychosocial measures were assessed.
Results: Compared with RPC, the PEG significantly reduced the level of depressive symptoms, but had no impact on psychosocial outcome.
Conclusion: A brief PEG is an effective form of treatment for women with low post-partum mood.