Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Versus Psychoeducation for Perinatal Anxiety
Perinatal Anxiety
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Perinatal Anxiety
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Women 18 and older that are pregnant or between 0-12 months postpartum;
- Principal diagnosis of an anxiety disorder as per the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for DSM-5 (version 7.0.2) with or without comorbid depression;
- No concurrent psychological treatment;
- Not taking psychoactive medication or a) medications are stable in dose and type for at least 8 weeks prior to the study (as per Canadian psychiatric guidelines; and b) medications remain stable throughout the study;
- Fluent in English, minimal grade 8 reading level.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Severe depression/suicidality requiring acute intervention;
- Women with psychotic or current substance use disorders,
- medication changes in dose or type or less than 5/6 sessions complete (will continue with treatment but be excluded from the study).
Sites / Locations
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Active Comparator
Experimental
Psychoeducation Group
Cognitive Behavioural Group Therapy
Psychoeducation is the most commonly offered non-pharmacological treatment for perinatal distress, with the assumption that an understanding of perinatal distress, self-care and infant milestones will improve mental health outcomes. Psychoeducation has been shown to be effective in reducing the severity of perinatal anxiety and depression.
Cognitive Behavioural Group Therapy (CBGT) is a well-established psychological treatment for anxiety and other mental health disorders. CBGT treatment for perinatal anxiety has shown significant reductions in anxiety (primary outcome), worry and depression from pre- to post-treatment when compared to a waitlist control condition. However, to be considered well-established, a treatment must be at least as effective as other active interventions. As such, the present study will compare CBGT to what is most commonly offered to perinatal women with a principal anxiety disorder (i.e., psychoeducation).