The impact of interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) on postpartum depression, perceived self-efficacy and perceived level of functioning among women showing symptoms of postpartum depression

Postpartum depression (PPD) is known to be a mental state affecting approximately 10-20% of women worldwide, and has negative consequences for the infant and the family. PPD can be associated with a functional impairment and was found to be negatively related to a woman’s self-efficacy. Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) was established as an effective treatment for PPD, but has not yet been examined for elevating perceived self-efficacy and level of functioning. The current study, which was part of a pilot study carried out in the collaboration Maccabi health care for the purpose of examining efficacy of Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), its feasibility and compatibility to the implementation of social workers on this service, observed the impact of IPT on symptoms of PPD, perceived self-efficacy and perceived level of functioning among women showing symptoms of PPD, also examined the correlations between symptoms of PDD, perceived level of functioning and perceived self-efficacy.

The study was held in primary care facilities of a large HMO in Israel. 27 women, who were screened and assessed with symptoms of PPD and in need of treatment, were recruited. Nine of the participants received IPT treatment by licensed social workers who completed IPT training, but had not yet implemented the method with clients. 14 of the participants received the usual treatment provided in cases of PPD, by other social workers. All participants were measured before the beginning of treatment, the end of treatment and a month after end of treatment, following PPD symptoms, perceived self-efficacy and perceived level of functioning (relevant activities concerning their responsibilities at home, infant and other children care, also relationships with close ones).

Results indicated there were no significant differences between the IPT group and the control group in depressive symptoms and perceived self-efficacy. A significant difference was found between groups in perceived level of functioning. Results showed that among the control group, perceived level of functioning was significantly higher than the IPT group. Furthermore, results showed a significant correlation between perceived self-efficacy and symptoms of PPD; perceived self-efficacy was higher as the level of depressive symptoms decreased at end of treatment and four weeks after end of treatment.

The effectiveness of IPT method on PPD has yet to be examined in Israel, particularly as treatment given by social workers or in primary care facilities of HMO. The results did not show evidence of IPT as being more effective than the usual treatment. However, this study was preliminary in its field and may possibly serve as a foundation for future studies, which can potentially establish a connection between IPT, PPD symptoms, perceived self-efficacy and perceived level of functioning. Future studies could offer recommendations for developing revised treatment programs to help women suffering from PPD.