Date Approved

12-7-2023

Embargo Period

12-7-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Department

Clinical Psychology

College

College of Science & Mathematics

Advisor

Steven Brunwasser, Ph.D.

Committee Member 1

Danielle Arigo, Ph.D.

Committee Member 2

Jeffrey M. Greeson, Ph.D.

Keywords

Depression;Meta-analysis;Postpartum;Pregnancy;Psychotherapy;Treatment

Subject(s)

Depression in women; Mental illness in pregnancy

Disciplines

Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Abstract

Depression is among the most common and burdensome health problems affecting pregnancy and the first-year postpartum (collectively, the perinatal period). Prior quantitative reviews have established both the overall efficacy of psychosocial interventions for perinatal depression and benefits of specific approaches. However, there are important knowledge gaps. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of peer-reviewed articles published from 2021 and 2022 describing randomized controlled trials evaluating psychosocial interventions for perinatal depression. We aimed to evaluate the durability of intervention benefits, whether effects differ when interventions are embedded within medical settings, and whether effects differ across trials using mental health professionals vs. non-mental health professionals. Data from 2021-2022 articles yielded 63 studies representing 13,188 participants, and a total of 151 effect estimates. There was considerable uncertainty about durability of effects due to important methodological differences across trials and sparse long-term follow-up data. There was clear evidence of intervention benefits in studies utilizing non-mental-health providers, in both medical and non-medical settings. However, clear evidence of intervention benefits was not seen in trials utilizing mental health professionals as intervention providers. Findings highlighted the need to not only focus on overall estimates of benefits, but rather more thoroughly evaluate the data to understand the heterogeneity present.

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