Evaluating the Effectiveness of Brief Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Pregnant Women With Depression
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Brief Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Pregnant Women With Depression
This study will compare the effectiveness of brief interpersonal psychotherapy versus
 standard treatment for pregnant women with depression.
Depression is a serious condition affecting millions of people each year. In fact, it is
 estimated that approximately one in every four women will be treated for a mood disorder,
 such as depression, at some point in her life. As effective treatment options continue to
 develop, many women diagnosed with depression are able to resume normal lives and may choose
 to become pregnant. Also, some women become depressed when pregnant. Interpersonal
 psychotherapy involves treating psychological difficulties by analyzing problems, talking
 about possible solutions, and learning more helpful ways of thinking and acting. Brief
 interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT-B) is a well-tested psychotherapy for depression that has
 been shortened and modified. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of
 IPT-B to reduce depressive symptoms in women during pregnancy and to prevent the continuation
 or recurrence of their depression postpartum.

 Participants in this open-label study will be randomly assigned to receive either IPT-B or a
 facilitated referral for treatment as usual (F-TAU) at an outpatient clinic or community
 mental health center. Participants assigned to IPT-B will be scheduled to attend eight
 treatment sessions along with their prenatal clinic visits within a 16-week period. Each
 treatment session will begin with a brief 1-minute evaluation to assess participants' level
 of depression and will end with a brief evaluation of the session. Participants will attend
 follow-up sessions every 2 weeks until 3 months postpartum and then monthly until 6 months
 postpartum. These sessions will include evaluation of participants' level of depression,
 identification of any difficulties or problems that participants may be experiencing, and
 review of how to manage these problems using skills learned during treatment. Participants
 assigned to receive F-TAU will be provided with verbal and written information regarding
 their depressive symptoms. They will also receive a referral for treatment at a behavioral
 health clinic. Participants receiving F-TAU will be assessed via telephone at Weeks 6 and 12.
 All participants will be assessed via telephone at Months 2 and 6 postpartum to measure their
 level of depression.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Between 8 and 32 weeks of gestation at time of study entry

 -  A score above 12 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale

 -  Speaks English

 -  Resides in the Pittsburgh, PA, area

 -  Access to a household telephone

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Currently receiving treatment for depression (i.e., medication or psychotherapy)

 -  History of a prior manic episode

 -  Alcohol or drug abuse or dependence within 6 months of study entry

 -  Psychotic disorder or organic mental disorder

 -  Suicidal, homicidal, or requires hospitalization

 -  Severe sexual and/or physical aggression in relationship with partner or husband

 -  Significant medical illness such as epilepsy, autoimmune disorder, liver dysfunction,
 or unstable endocrine disease

 -  Severe cognitive deficits that would prevent treatment with psychotherapy