Effect of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Postpartum Depression in Unwanted Pregnancies

Background and purpose: Postpartum depression is a health problem and its prevalence is higher in women with unwanted pregnancy. This condition causes many psychological problems. The present study aimed at investigating the effect of counseling based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on postpartum depression in unwanted pregnancies. Materials and methods: A clinical trial with pre-test, post-test control group design and two-month follow-up was performed. The participants (n=52) were randomly selected from comprehensive health centers in Arak, Iran with a median depression score and unwanted pregnancy in delayed postpartum period (2-6 months). They were assigned into either a control group (n=26) or an intervention group (n=26). Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, and unwanted pregnancy. Beck Depression Inventory was completed before, immediately, and two months after the intervention by both groups. The intervention group attended eight weekly ACT sessions (90 min). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics applying Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: Depression scores in intervention group and control group were 17.3±4.2 and 26.5±3.1, respectively, immediately after the intervention. Following two months intervention, the depression scores were significantly different between the controls and intervention group (25.61±3.4 vs. 12.4±3.8, P<0.05). Conclusion: In contrast to expensive and long-term treatments, ACT could be used as an effective intervention in treatment of postpartum depression.    (Clinical Trials Registry Number: IRCT20180118038424N1)