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Screening and treatment for depression during pregnancy: a cautionary note

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 June 2014

F Carter,
J Carter,
S Luty,
D Wilson and
C Frampton
F Carter
Affiliation:
Department of Psych Med, Otago University, New Zealand
J Carter
Affiliation:
Psychology Department, Canterbury University, Christchurch, New Zealand
S Luty
Affiliation:
Department of Psych Med, Otago University, New Zealand
D Wilson
Affiliation:
Mothers' and Babies Service, Princess Margaret Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
C Frampton
Affiliation:
Christchurch School of Medicine, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Abstract

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Information

Type
Abstracts from ‘Brainwaves’— The Australasian Society for Psychiatric Research Annual Meeting 2006, 6–8 December, Sydney, Australia
Information
Acta Neuropsychiatrica , Volume 18 , Issue 6 , December 2006, pp. 245
Copyright
Copyright © 2006 Blackwell Munksgaard

Background:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the recruitment of depressed pregnant women.

Methods:

Consecutive pregnant women presenting for routine ultrasound scan were asked to complete the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Women who scored greater than 12 on the EPDS and who agreed to contact were invited to attend an initial assessment to determine eligibility for the trial. Consenting, eligible women were randomized to either cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) or routine clinical care (RCC). Follow-up assessments were conducted at mid (6 weeks following initial assessment), end (approximately 36 weeks gestation) and postpartum (approximately 4 months postdelivery) for all participants.

Results:

Four hundred women were offered the EPDS, and 93% completed the questionnaire. Thirteen per cent of these women scored greater than 12, although only a minority of these women agreed to be contacted. Of those who agreed to be contacted, less than half attended initial interview. Upon interview, all women, except for one, were eligible and consenting. Three women were randomized to CBT and three to RCC. Only one woman randomized to CBT chose to commence treatment, and only one woman randomized to RCC was offered treatment for her low mood by her lead maternity provider.

Conclusions:

Although the vast majority of pregnant women were willing to complete a depression screening questionnaire, most did not agree to additional contact or assessment, and either were not offered treatment or did not accept treatment. This was not an effective recruitment strategy for a randomized controlled psychotherapy trial.