Group treatment for postpartum depression: a pilot study.
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.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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 conform this pilot study.
Meager
I
I
Alfred Health Care Group, Prahran, Victoria, Australia.
Milgrom
J
J
D000328:Adult; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016487:Parenting / Q000523:psychology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index