Counselling for postnatal depression in the voluntary sector.

The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of counselling and therapy offered by the voluntary sector for women with postnatal depression or distress. Twenty-seven women accepted for individual counselling or therapy were assessed at baseline, and 3 and 6 months after therapy. They were assessed using standardized measures of depression, parenting stress, marital relationship and maternal self-efficacy. Data were collected by home interviews by an independent researcher. The study sample was representative of those referred for therapy. Scores on measures of depression, parenting self-efficacy and parenting stress decreased significantly over time. Scores of marital satisfaction did not change. The scores of 16 out of 27 (60%) had fallen to below 14 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. There was no difference between those having individual or group therapy. It is not feasible, logistically or ethically, to carry out a randomized controlled trial of counselling which is negotiated between client and therapist. The results from this prospective study of support given by the voluntary sector suggest that it can be effective in alleviating symptoms of postnatal depression.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes