Effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy for perinatal depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Aims and objectives: To systematically review the efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy for improving mood in perinatal depression.

Background: The impact of cognitive behavioural therapy on perinatal depression has been evaluated in various studies, but there is uncertainty about their impact.

Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods: Nine electronic literature databases were searched to retrieve eligible randomised controlled trials: CNKI, VIP digital database, Chinese Wanfang database, the Cochrane library, PubMed, Web of science, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL from the inception of the databases up to 15 November 2019. The eligible studies were screened and extracted, and then, the methodological quality was evaluated independently by two researchers. The meta-analyst software (Rev Man 5.3) was used to conduct the meta-analysis. Checklist of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses has been followed.

Results: Thirteen RCTs with 966 participants were included. The results showed that the CBT group was superior to the usual care group in reducing depression symptoms of pregnant women after treatment immediately, and the difference was statistically significant. Similarly, at postpartum (<4 months), the results showed that the CBT group was superior to the usual care group in improving depression symptoms of pregnant women. However, there was no statistical difference at postpartum (>4 months).

Conclusions: Cognitive behavioural therapy can effectively relieve the symptoms of depression at short-term effect. However, its long-term effect need to be verified by further clinical studies.

Relevance to clinical practice: This meta-analysis suggested that cognitive behavioural therapy should be considered as a complementary programme for patients with perinatal depression. Medical workers could apply cognitive behavioural therapy into daily routine cares for perinatal depression.