Perinatal depression is a high prevalent mental health problem with serious consequences. Evidence about effective psychological interventions in treating perinatal depression has been increasing, but it lacks a comprehensive synthesis of findings. A systematic review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses concerning the effectiveness of psychological interventions in treating perinatal depression (depression during pregnancy and the first 12 months postpartum) in adult women was conducted. The electronic databases MEDLINE (PubMed), PsycINFO, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Prospero were searched, on May 2020, using a combination of keywords. Data were independently extracted by two authors and a synthesis of the results was presented. Methodological quality was independently assessed by two authors, using AMSTAR-2. Seven systematic reviews were included and reported, overall, the effectiveness of psychological interventions in decreasing depressive symptoms in women in the perinatal period, both short and long-term. CBT was found to be the most effective intervention, regardless of the treatment format. Grey literature was not searched, and some studies may overlap among the included systematic reviews. These (the included reviews) were rated with low methodological quality, which weakens the evidence of the reported results. CBT is currently the most evidence-based psychological intervention, provided in different delivery formats (individual, group, face-to-face or Internet-based). Further studies, including systematic reviews, with other types of psychological interventions (e.g., third-wave CBT) and with higher quality are needed.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the direct and indirect effects of self-criticism on postpartum depressive symptoms, through postpartum cognitions, and analyse the moderating role of self-compassion in this relationship. Background: Self-criticism and self-compassion are associated with postpartum depression. However, further research is needed to understand how these mechanisms operate in the development/maintenance of depressive symptoms. Methods: 686 women in the postpartum period (up to 12 months after birth) recruited in-person and online answered a cross-sectional survey. Results: The effect of self-criticism on postpartum depressive symptoms occurred sequentially, increasing the frequency of negative automatic thoughts and subsequently the metacognitive appraisal of these thoughts. Self-compassion had a moderating effect only on the relation between self-criticism and postpartum cognitions. The effect of self-criticism on postpartum cognitions decreased in the presence of higher self-compassion. Conclusion: This study emphasises the negative effect of a self-critical thinking style and of a negative appraisal of thought’s content on depression symptoms. Moreover, this work underscores the buffering role of self-compassion in the relationship between self-criticism and postpartum cognitions. These results highlight the need to address the reduction of self-criticism and the promotion of self-compassion strategies to deal with postpartum cognitions, in order to prevent and treat postpartum depressive symptoms.

Perinatal depression is a highly prevalent mental health problem with severe consequences, which is still underdiagnosed and undertreated. Frontline health professionals directly assisting and providing regular care to women in pregnancy and postpartum period play a critical role in early detection and management of perinatal depression. Therefore, it is important to assess their knowledge and beliefs towards perinatal depression, in order to improve its recognition and management. To synthesize the current literature about the levels of perinatal depression literacy (defined in terms of recognition and knowledge of symptoms, causes, risk factors and treatment options, beliefs, and attitudes) among frontline health professionals working with perinatal women. A systematic review of the literature was conducted in line with PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020172018). Six electronic databases were searched for eligible studies. Quantitative and qualitative studies published in English reporting findings on perinatal depression literacy among health professionals working with perinatal population were included. Pharmacists, medical or nursing students, volunteer workers, religious leaders, community leader and birth attendants were excluded from the target population. Included studies were assessed for risk of bias. From the 3172 papers screened, a total of 43 were included. All studies were classified with strong or moderate quality. Frontline health professionals presented average levels of perinatal depression literacy. However, a lack of knowledge about the definition, prevalence, symptoms, risk factors, screening tools and treatments for perinatal depression was found in several studies, which could act as barriers to providing proper care to perinatal women. Health professionals' knowledge and attitudes seemed to differ across countries. The findings of this systematic review highlight the need to provide health professionals with training to increase their levels of knowledge about perinatal depression and to promote more positive attitudes towards it, which can potentially increase their confidence and skills in its management and treatment.

Postpartum depression is a highly prevalent mental health problem with harmful consequences for women, babies, and mother–infant relationships. Cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) is among the most effective treatment options for postpartum depression. However, a large number of postpartum women do not seek professional help, suggesting the need for new treatment delivery formats. The present article describes the application of Be a Mom Coping with Depression, a blended CBT treatment for postpartum depression, for a 31-year-old postpartum woman. The intervention was provided over a period of 13 weeks, integrating seven biweekly sessions with a psychologist and six sessions within an online program, and it is described in detail. A summary of the patient’s progress and the results obtained throughout treatment is reported. At the end of the intervention, a significant decrease in depressive and anxiety symptoms was observed, as well as increased perceived maternal self-efficacy, higher psychological flexibility, and higher self-compassion. This case study provides encouraging data for the preliminary evidence of the acceptability, feasibility, and efficacy of the Be a Mom Coping with Depression intervention in the reduction of depressive symptoms during the postpartum period. Advantages of this treatment format and implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed.

Despite the existence of effective treatment for postpartum depression, few women seek professional help, indicating the need for a new and innovative format of treatment that can overcome help-seeking barriers. This article presents the study protocol for a blended cognitive–behavioral intervention for the treatment of postpartum depression, by integrating face-to-face sessions with a web-based program (Be a Mom) into one treatment protocol. This study will be a two-arm, noninferiority randomized controlled trial comparing blended intervention to usual treatment for postpartum depression provided in healthcare centers. Portuguese postpartum adult women diagnosed with postpartum depression (according to the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder) will be recruited during routine care appointments in local healthcare centers and will be eligible to participate. Measures will be completed at baseline, postintervention, and at three- and six-month follow-ups. The primary outcome will be depressive symptoms. Secondary outcomes will include anxiety symptoms, fatigue, quality of life, marital satisfaction, maternal self-efficacy, and mother–child bonding. Cost-effectiveness analysis and mediator and moderator analysis will be conducted. This study will provide insight into the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a blended psychological intervention in the Portuguese context and increase the empirically validated treatment options for postpartum depression.