Nonpharmacologic intervention and prevention strategies for depression during pregnancy and the postpartum

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Sona Dimidjian, University of Colorado at Boulder; Sherryl H Goodman, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2009-09-01
• Publisher: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins: No Hybrid Open Access
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: © 2009 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/GRF.0b013e3181b52da6
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology
• ISSN: 0009-9201
• Volume: 52
• Issue: 3
• Start Page: 498
• End Page: 515
• Grant/Funding Information: This work was supported by grant MH083866 from the National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
• Keywords: Pregnancy Complications; Female; Depression; Treatment Outcome; Pregnancy; Depression, Postpartum; Humans; Psychotherapy; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Mental Health; Health Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology; Psychology, Clinical

Abstract

Perinatal depression is a serious and disabling disorder that has enduring consequences for both women and their children. Although efficacious pharmacologic strategies are available, many perinatal women are reluctant to continue or start antidepressant medications because of the concern about impact on the fetus or, later, the nursing infant. Weighing the costs and benefits of pharmacologic strategies often requires complex-decision making on the part of obstetric providers and patients. Nonpharmacologic intervention and prevention strategies offer the potential of beneficial outcomes without substantial risk profiles. This paper reviews the evidence base for nonpharmacologic intervention and prevention strategies for depression during pregnancy and the postpartum. The evidence base suggests that efficacious nonpharmacologic options are available for women during pregnancy and postpartum; however, important research questions remain.