A brief group intervention using a cognitive-behavioural approach to reduce postnatal depressive symptoms: a randomised controlled trial.

According to the World Health Organization in 2005, depression is a major health concern and will be the second highest cause of disability by 2020.1 Postnatal depression (PND) is a global health issue that affects childbearing families. Many pharmacological and psychosocial interventions have been used to prevent and treat PND. Most postnatal women prefer psychotherapy to pharmacotherapy, particularly breastfeeding mothers who fear the effect of the latter on their infants.2 Individual cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy have been recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines for women with PND in the United Kingdom.3 Group CBT is equally or even more effective than individual CBT, but the optimal length of CBT intervention for PND remains inconclusive. Group CBT is associated with a lower cost, shorter waiting time, reduced therapy time, and more available places. CBT usually comprises eight to 12 sessions. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of six-sessions of group CBT among postnatal Chinese women in reducing depressive symptoms and the rate of PND at 3 months and 6 months after intervention.