Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy for Psychological Distress in Pregnancy

University of Calgary61 enrolled

Overview

Anxiety, stress and depression are common during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. The lack of empirically supported, non-pharmaceutical interventions for psychological distress in pregnancy is a significant gap in the literature, especially given many pregnant women's preference for non-pharmaceutical treatments. This study will evaluate the efficacy of Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) program in reducing measures of psychological distress (e.g., symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety) in a group of pregnant women endorsing high levels of distress.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Depression Anxiety Stress

Interventions

The modified MBCT program for pregnant women is an 8-session group intervention that aims to help women change their relationship to the thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations that can lead to psychological distress. Participants are guided to recognize and disengage from unhelpful mind states characterized by self-perpetuating patterns of ruminative thought. The intervention was modified to address pregnant women's physical and emotional needs, as well as their risk of perinatal mood episodes.

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: Eligible women for this study * are between 12 and 28 weeks of gestation, * are experiencing psychological distress (elevated perinatal anxiety, mild depressive symptoms, or high-levels of self-reported stress) Exclusion Criteria: * current suicidality * current substance abuse or dependence * experience a current major depressive episode * have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder or other disorders that have a psychotic, dissociative, hallucinatory, or delusional component * taking prescribed medications that affect sleep or mood

Locations (2)

Riley Park Maternity Clinic

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

University Of Calgary

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale scores from baseline to 3 months follow-up postpartum

Symptoms of depression will be assessed using the 10-item, self-report Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS). The EPDS has been validated against interview schedules and other self-report instruments.

Time frame: Baseline (Week 1), Post-Treatment (Week 10), 3 months follow-up postpartum (3 months after the birth of a person's baby)

Secondary Outcomes

Change in Pregnancy Related Anxiety Measure scores from baseline to post-treatment

The Pregnancy Anxiety Measure, a 10-item instrument will be used to examine the extent to which women are worried about their own and baby's health, labour, delivery and caring their new baby.

Time frame: Baseline (Week 1), Post-Treatment (Week 10)

Change in Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) scores from baseline to 3 months

This questionnaire will be used in assessing the perception of stress. The questions are in regards to participant's feelings and thoughts during the previous month. It was designed to be used in community samples. The items are assessing perceived helplessness and self-efficacy.