Approaches to the prevention of postnatal depression and anxiety - a review of the literature.

The objective for this review is to provide an update of randomized controlled trials examining the use of interventions targeted to prevent the onset of postnatal depression and anxiety in nondiagnostic populations with universal or selected samples. METHODS: A total of four databases, EBSCO Host, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science, incorporating PsychINFO were searched and papers selected according to clearly specified inclusion criteria. A large Health Technology review was published in 2016, for which the final search was conducted in December 2012. Therefore inclusion criteria were studies published from January 2013 onwards, available in English language, had a focus on prevention of postnatal maternal depression and anxiety, and used psychological interventions. Drug intervention trials were excluded. FINDINGS: 12 studies were identified as examining antenatal or postnatal intervention trials with an aim of preventing maternal postnatal depression and/or anxiety. There continues to be limited evidence to recommend specific prevention strategies for universal samples without further testing. There is evidence to suggest the use of rational-emotive behavioral therapy in an antenatal sample may have some utility, and the use of psychotherapy-based interventions in a postnatal setting is also supported although both require further investigation. Additionally, there is a need to gather information on acceptability, as many trials were hindered by po...
Source: Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology - Category: OBGYN Tags: J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol Source Type: research