OBJECTIVE: Antenatal depression, a substantial risk factor for
postpartum depression, occurs in 10% of pregnant women, but no clinical
treatment trials of antenatal depression exist. In an effort to establish
treatment guidelines for depression during pregnancy, the author reports on
a treatment program using interpersonal psychotherapy for antepartum
depression. METHOD: A 16-week open pilot trial conducted with 13 pregnant
women who met DSM-III-R criteria for major depression. RESULTS: The women's
mean depression ratings decreased significantly from week 0 to week 16 of
the treatment program. CONCLUSIONS: Interpersonal psychotherapy for
antepartum depression appears to be an effective alternative to
pharmacotherapy in pregnancy. This study served as a pilot for an ongoing
controlled clinical treatment trial.Abstract Teaser