Therapeutic group programme for women with postnatal depression in rural Victoria: a pilot study.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a therapeutic group programme, provided by community health workers, in reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms associated with postnatal depression (PND) among women living in a rural setting. METHOD: A prospective repeated measures design was used. Women reporting difficulties in the postnatal period were recruited through community health services. Training was provided to community health workers, who then facilitated a 9 week group programme (cognitive-behavioural strategies) for women with PND. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale measured depressive and anxiety sympt..