Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Postnatal Depression, Research Paper Example

Evidence-based practice must evaluate the different areas whereby there are significant opportunities for growth and development in order to advance the study and treatment of postpartum depression. An evaluation of cognitive behavioral therapy represents a potential decrease in postpartum depression, but this requires further exploration to determine if this therapeutic intervention is consistently effective in meeting treatment needs. A study by Scope et.al (2013) evaluated prior evidence regarding cognitive behavioral therapy in the treatment of postpartum depression and it was determined that evidence remains somewhat sparse in this area, but that based on the evidence that is currently available, this alternative has been largely effective in treating patients successfully to date. However, additional research in this area must determine if this approach will serve as an appropriate treatment for patients on a large-scale basis who have postpartum depression (Scope et.al, 2013).

In another study by O’Mahen, Himle, Fedock, Henshaw, & Flynn (2013), it was determined that with the appropriate level of involvement and retention, patients with postpartum depression who are also at low income levels are likely to be successful in achieving their treatment needs effectively. However, this practice requires an introduction to cognitive behavioral therapy for the targeted population in order to achieve a greater understanding of this condition and how it may impact this patient population in alleviating the symptoms related to this condition (O’Mahen et.al, 2013). For this type of evidence, strong research support must be available in order to accomplish the intended objectives and to support the nature of the treatment strategy for this group of patients to include trials or interventions involving cognitive behavioral therapy (O’Mahen et.al, 2013). When this evidence is strong, it is likely to have a lasting impact on patients and on the practice environment as a whole.

References

O’Mahen, H., Himle, J. A., Fedock, G., Henshaw, E., & Flynn, H. (2013). A pilot randomized controlled trial of cognitive behavioral therapy for perinatal depression adapted for women with low incomes. Depression and anxiety,30(7), 679-687.

Scope, A., Leaviss, J., Kaltenthaler, E., Parry, G., Sutcliffe, P., Bradburn, M., & Cantrell, A. (2013). Is group cognitive behaviour therapy for postnatal depression evidence-based practice? A systematic review. BMC psychiatry,13(1), 321.