Group therapy and its barriers for women suffering from postpartum depression

Data were collected to pilot-test the feasibility and the effects of the “Gruen” Postpartum Depression Group Therapy as an intervention for depression for a small treatment and control group of postpartum depressed mothers. Treatment was a ten-week group therapy consisting of four interacting aspects: (1) education and information, (2) stress reduction techniques,(3) development of support systems, and (4) cognitive restructuring. Beck Depression Inventory II scores were significantly lower post treatment in the treatment group. Women stated psychoeducation was the greatest help to them. One of the problems associated with treating postpartum women was their inability to get to therapy because of childcare responsibilities.