IngentaConnect A randomized controlled trial of psychological interventions for ...

Authors: Milgrom, Jeannette¹; Negri, Lisa M.²; Gemmill, Alan W.³; McNeil, Margaret⁴; Martin, Paul R.²

Source: British Journal of Clinical Psychology, Volume 44, Number 4, November 2005 , pp. 529-542(14)

Publisher: British Psychological Society

Abstract:

Objectives. First, to establish the efficacy of psychological interventions versus routine primary care for the management of postnatal depression (PND). Secondly, to provide a direct comparison of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) versus counselling and, finally, to compare the relative value of group and individual delivery formats.

Design. The study involved 192 depressed women drawn from a large community screening programme in Melbourne, Australia and allocated to cognitive behaviour therapy, counselling, or routine primary care. Baseline and post-intervention measures of depression and anxiety were collected in the form of validated self-report inventories.

Method. Women were screened in the community and diagnosis of depression confirmed with a standardized psychiatric interview. Interventions were of 12 weeks duration, including three partner sessions, and adhered to a structured manual.

Results. Psychological intervention per se was superior to routine care in terms of reductions in both depression and anxiety following intervention.

Conclusions. For those women with PND, psychological intervention is a better option than routine care, leading to clinically significant reduction of symptoms. Counselling may be as effective as group cognitive behaviour therapy. The benefits of psychological intervention may be maximized by being delivered on a one-to-one basis.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1348/014466505X34200

Affiliations: 1: Department of Psychology, School of Behavioural Science, University of Melbourne, Australia 2: Department of Psychology and Disability Studies, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia 3: Parent Infant Research Institute, Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia 4: La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia

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A randomized controlled trial of psychological interventions for postnatal depression