PROTOCOL: Effectiveness of interpersonal psychotherapy in comparison to other psychological and pharmacological interventions for reducing depressive symptoms in women diagnosed with postpartum depression in low and middle-income countries: A systematic review.

Harmeet Kaur Kang,Aaron Worsley,Bandana Bisht,Obrey Alexis,Manmeet Kaur,Denny John

doi:10.1002/cl2.1074

Abstract

Postpartum Depression (PPD) is highly prevalent among women in low and middle income countries (LMICs). World Heath Organization has recognised interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) as the first line treatment for the postpartum depression. The primary aim of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of IPT alone or in combination with pharmacotherapy or other psychosocial therapies for treating depressive symptoms in women with postpartum depression. The generated evidence from this review will help to inform policies in relation to the treatment of postpartum depression in LMICs.

Highlights

Depression is the most common mental health condition affecting perinatal women and mothers (Hanlon, 2013)
Evidence suggests that one out of seven women suffer from postpartum depression (PPD; American Psychiatric Association, 2013)
The International Classification of Diseases‐10 (ICD‐10) guidelines state that the onset of postpartum depression is considered to be within 6 weeks after delivery (WHO, 2016a)

Summary

| BACKGROUND

Depression is the most common mental health condition affecting perinatal women and mothers (Hanlon, 2013). Changes in role transitions and interpersonal factors (e.g., partnership satisfaction, social support) during or after pregnancy (Martini, 2015; Yuksel & Aydin, 2015) Are these factors impacting on the mental health and wellbeing of women, several social factors such as unmarried mothers and unplanned pregnancy, perceived lack of support from partners, parents, relatives and friends during the postpartum period and impaired interpersonal relationships between women with postpartum depression and their spouses (Chien, Tai, & Yeh, 2012; Ghaedrahmati, Kazemi, Kheirabadi, Ebrahimi, & Bahrami, 2017; Gurber, Baumeler, Grob, Surbek, & Stadlmayr, 2017; Ludermir, Lewis, Valongueiro, de Araujo, & Araya, 2010) have been shown to contribute towards PPD among women in both LAMICs and high income countries. On the basis of duration of IPT, it can be of two types: 1. Standard IPT: The originally developed IPT has a duration of 12–16 sessions

Brief IPT

| OBJECTIVES

| METHODS

Interventions includes Individual or Group Interpersonal psychotherapy

Interventions includes individual or group interpersonal psychotherapy

Risk of bias assessment