Psychological interventions in post-partum depression : a critical analysis

Abstract

Non-pharmacological interventions are often the preferred treatment modalities in perinatal mothers suffering from mental health problems. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and inter-personal therapy (IPT) are the two main evidence-based psychological treatment interventions in the management of post-partum depression. Various studies have been conducted-to-date to assess the efficacy and effectiveness of both CBT and IPT in this specialised group, yet there is no data contrasting the two. This report aims to provide a comparative critical evaluation of the evidence base for the two interventions, including their respective strengths and limitations. Research possibly indicates a stronger evidence base for IPT in the treatment of depression post-delivery, perhaps as a result of larger scale studies having been performed for this treatment modality. Nonetheless, valuable positive outcomes for CBT-treated individuals have been observed. Consequently, a number of recommendations for future research will be put forward with the main objective of advancing the literature in this area of expertise.