What therapy is most effective for perinatal depression?

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2025-11-04 09:00

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Cognitive behavioural therapy is likely the most effective treatment for depression in the months after giving birth, according to international research. The team collected previous studies comparing various psychological therapies with usual care for perinatal depression to help improve guidelines for women struggling after childbirth. The researchers say cognitive behavioural therapy came out on top - a talk therapy strategy that involves challenging the relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Behavioural activation - a form of therapy that focuses on how activities impact mood - also appeared effective, as well as interpersonal therapy which focuses on improving relationships.

Media release

From: American College of Physicians

Review identifies most effective psychological therapies for perinatal depression

The findings will inform updated clinical practice guidelines on the treatment of perinatal depression

A systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of psychological therapies for perinatal depression, the most prevalent maternal mental health disorder. The review found that cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral activation, and interpersonal therapy may be more effective at treating perinatal depression than usual care. The results of the review will be used to inform the development of clinical practice guidelines related to the treatment of perinatal depression. The review is published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

Researchers commissioned by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) analyzed 44 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of psychological therapies for people with depression during pregnancy and up to one year postpartum published between January 2000 and March 2025. The primary outcomes were the effect of psychological treatments on depressive symptoms and recovery from depressive symptoms. The most studied interventions included cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT). The review found that CBT was probably more effective at reducing depression and anxiety symptoms than usual treatment, and there may have been higher rates of recovery with CBT versus usual treatment. Behavioral activation may be more effective at reducing depressive symptoms than usual treatment. Interpersonal therapy (IPT) was probably moderately effective in reducing depressive symptoms compared to usual treatment, and recovery rates may increase with IPT. Overall, CBT, behavioral activation, and IPT may be more effective overall for treating perinatal depression than usual care. However, the researchers note that studies included in the review primarily included White participants with higher educational attainment, so the results may not be applicable to a wider population of people.

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Journal/
conference: Annals of Internal Medicine

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: Brown University, USA

Funder: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

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