Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects up to 20% of women and has profound effects on women and their families. Clinical practice guidelines recommend that the majority of women with PPD receive psychotherapy. The purpose of this pilot study is to successfully adapt and deliver a 1-day CBT workshop for depression to women with PPD, establish the feasibility of a study protocol, and generate an estimate of the treatment effect (as well as its variance) in this population for a later, large-scale study. A previously validated 1-day CBT workshop has been adapted for depression for use with women experiencing PPD and living in the community. 476 women will be randomized to active treatment or a 12 week wait list in each setting and compare changes in depression, mother-infant attachment, service utilization, quality of life, and offspring behaviour.