The Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Postpartum Depression: a Review and Meta-Analysis Study

Background: Mother's health and breastfeeding efficacy are affectedby depression during pregnancy. The aim of study was to determine theeffects of cognitive-behavioral therapy on the treatment of postpartumdepression in mothers after childbirth.Methods: In this systematic review, the Web of sciences, PubMed,Scopus, Google Scholar, Iran Medex, Magiran & SID databases wereused to access relevant documentation. To search for articles in theresource, the keywords depression and cognitive-behavior therapy and"perinatal or antepartum or childbirth" is used with all possiblecombinations of these words. Without time limitation, all relatedarticles have been retrieved. Search was restricted to articles publishedin Persian and English. The quality of papers was examined using theCochran risk of bias tool. Meta-analysis was performed using Rev ۵.۳.Results: We retrieved ۶۲۱ titles, of which ۱۲ were qualified after thequalitative synthesis. Meta-analysis revealed a statistically significantbeneficial effect of CBT sessions as compared to routine postpartumcare on long term management of postpartum depression. (Meandifference: -۴.۰۲ [-۵.۵۸, -۲.۴۷]). A pooled effect size with BID instrumentwas observed -۶.۳۲ [-۸.۵۴, -۴.۱۱] at ۳ months, with EPDS were observed -۲.۸۳ [-۶.۵۶, ۰.۹۰] and -۲.۸۱ [-۴.۲۱, -۱.۴۱] at ۳ and ۶ months respectively.Conclusions: CBT was shown to be effective however the evidenceavailable is limited. It can be used as an effective psychologicaltreatment without the side effect of drugs in PPD.

Keywords:

Postpartum depression , Cognitive behavioral therapy , Psychological disorder , Review , Meta-analysis