Early intervention in pregnant women with elevated anxiety and depressive symptoms: efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral group program

J Perinat Neonatal Nurs. 2014 Jul-Sep;28(3):185-95. doi: 10.1097/JPN.0000000000000027.

Abstract

To examine whether a cognitive-behavioral group program among pregnant women with elevated levels of anxiety or depression may reduce anxious and depressive symptoms and has a positive impact on risk factors for anxiety disorders and depression. A total of 753 participants were recruited. After completion of the clinical standardized interview, 160 participants were randomized to an intervention group or a control condition. Psychometric assessments took place at T1 (preintervention), T2 (antenatal follow-up), and T3 (3 months postpartum). Analyses included women who took part in all 3 assessments (intervention group, N = 21; control group, N = 53). The subjective program evaluation by the participants was highly positive, but with the exception of a short-term effect on the quality of an intimate partnership (F1/67 = 4.056; P < .05], intervention effects on anxiety or depressive symptoms were not found. However, there was an intervention effect 3 months postpartum for participants with high depressive symptoms at T1 (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score of ≥10) (F1/69 = 5.410; P < .05). The results argue against a general efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral group program for pregnant women with rather low levels of anxiety and depression. For women with higher depressive symptoms during pregnancy, a cognitive-behavioral group program may have a positive impact on the course of depressive symptoms during the postpartum period.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anxiety* / diagnosis
  • Anxiety* / physiopathology
  • Anxiety* / therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods*
  • Depression* / diagnosis
  • Depression* / physiopathology
  • Depression* / therapy
  • Depression, Postpartum / prevention & control*
  • Early Medical Intervention / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications* / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy Complications* / psychology
  • Pregnancy Complications* / therapy
  • Pregnant Women / psychology
  • Prenatal Care / methods
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Psychotherapy, Group / methods*
  • Risk Factors
  • Treatment Outcome