Nonpharmacologic Treatments for Maternal Mental Health Conditions

Target audience and instructional level of this course: Intermediate

There is no known conflict of interest or commercial support related to this CE program.

TRAINING

Course Description

This course reviews the comparative effectiveness of nonpharmacologic treatments for perinatal mental health conditions and effectiveness of these treatments, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) showed moderate evidence of reducing depressive symptoms compared to standard care, while exercise and behavioral activation also demonstrated benefits. Evidence on other interventions, including acupuncture and bright light therapy, was limited or inconclusive. Few studies addressed anxiety, PTSD, or OCD, with insufficient data to draw firm conclusions. The findings highlight a need for further research, especially on diverse treatment modalities and their impacts on broader mental health outcomes.

Learning Objectives

After completing this training the professional will be able to:

1. Describe key nonpharmacologic treatments for maternal mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
2. Identify the strengths and limitations of the evidence base for nonpharmacologic treatments in addressing maternal mental health conditions during the perinatal period.
3. Outline the role of various assessment tools, such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), in evaluating the effectiveness of nonpharmacologic interventions.

Author(s)/Reference(s)

Brown Evidence-based Practice Center Providence, RI

Investigators: Elyse Couch, Ph.D. Htun Ja Mai, M.B.B.S., M.P.H. Ghid Kanaan, M.D. Eduardo Caputo, Ph.D. Michael L. Zahradnik, M.Sc. Olivia Lewis, B.A. Lauren Bohlen, Ph.D. Margaret Howard, Ph.D. Gaelen P. Adam, Ph.D., M.L.I.S. Kristin J. Konnyu, Ph.D. Ethan M. Balk, M.D., M.P.H.