Professor unveils effective treatments for postpartum depression

In the weeks and months after childbirth, one in two women may experience mild depressive symptoms, which in 10% of cases can reach moderate severity, and in one in a thousand cases may require psychiatric hospitalization, writes salute.eu.

Elyse Couch, a professor of health policy in the Department of Health Services in Providence, Rhode Island, USA, coordinated a study that compared the outcomes of nearly 4,500 patients with postpartum depression treated using different psychotherapeutic methods, CE Report quotes ATA.

Cognitive therapy, which involves promoting awareness of the connection between emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, has been shown to be effective in reducing depressive symptoms.

Another effective intervention is behavioral activation therapy, which encourages people to engage in positive activities rather than relying on avoidance and withdrawal strategies associated with depression.

Finally, interpersonal therapy, which focuses on natural dynamics in family, emotional, social, and work relationships, helps patients manage feelings of loss, deficiencies, and role conflicts.