Effectiveness of different psychological treatment methods in the management of postpartum depression: a meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective To systematic evaluate the effectiveness of different psychological treatment methods in the management of postpartum depression (PPD). Methods Relevant literature between 1968 and February 2009 was searched by computer and manual. And suitable randomized controlled trials were brought into this research according to the inclusion and the exclusion criteria. Then meta-analysis was used in four time periods including immediately post- treatment,6 months after treatment, 1 year after treatment and 5 years after treatment.Results A total of eight studies were brought into this research. Immediately post-treatment,it showed significant differences between intervention and control groups of CBT (P = 0.03 ), non-directive counseling(P = 0.0009), psychodynamic therapy (P = 0.005 ) and interpersonal psychotherapy (P = 0.002 ). Within 6 months after treatment, it showed significant differences between intervention and control groups of CBT(P = 0.006 )and peer support (P =0.03) ,but not in non-directive counseling. Within 1 year after treatment,it showed significant differences between intervention and control groups of CBT(P= 0.02 ), but not in non-directive counseling and psychodynamic therapy.Within 5 years after treatment, no significant differences in intervention and control groups of CBT, non-directive counseling and psychodynamic therapy. Conclusions A total of five psychological treatment methods are effective in the management of PPD. CBT has both good short-term and long-term effectiveness. Non-directive counseling and psychodynamic therapy only have a good short-term effectiveness, but a poor long-term effectiveness. Interpersonal psychotherapy and peer support have a good short-term effectiveness. Key words: Psychological treatment; Postpartum depression; Meta analysis