Overcoming Depression is an evidence-based, brief six-session treatment designed for health professionals supporting women with mild to moderate postnatal depression.
The program combines counselling skills with core cognitive behavioural strategies to help develop a strong therapeutic relationship, explore contributing issues and support problem solving. Sessions focus on increasing pleasant activities, challenging unhelpful thinking and managing anxiety through relaxation. One couples session is included to provide information and support to partners.
Evidence base
Overcoming Depression has been shown to be effective in reducing postnatal depressive symptoms when delivered by trained Maternal and Child Health Nurses or Psychologists. Evidence comes from a randomised controlled trial comparing three models of care: GP routine care alone, GP care plus nurse-delivered Overcoming Depression, and GP care plus psychologist-delivered Overcoming Depression. Women receiving the six-session intervention were less likely to remain above the clinical threshold for postnatal depression and reported high satisfaction with care. All health professionals received training from PIRI before delivering the program.
The manual and training required to deliver this program are available on request.
Reference
Milgrom, J., Holt, C. J., Gemmill, A. W., Ericksen, J., Leigh, B., Buist, A., & Schembri, C. (2011). Treating postnatal depressive symptoms in primary care: A randomised controlled trial of GP management, with and without adjunctive counselling. BMC Psychiatry, 11, 95. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-11-95