A reader recently reported that she is suffering from post partum depression and asked whether cognitive therapy might help her. She wondered whether cognitive therapy might help her get off her current medications.
It’s not possible for us to comment on any specific case in this blog, because it’s beyond the scope of the blog to provide treatment. At least one study has shown that cognitive therapy is helpful in post partum depression (Misri S, Reebye P, Corral M, Milis L. The use of paroxetine and cognitive-behavioral therapy in postpartum depression and anxiety: a randomized controlled trial. J Clin Psychiatry. 2004 Sep;65(9):1236-41), so it may be worth considering this treatment option.
What’s most important is that anyone with post partum depression get treatment! I would suggest that anyone interested in this issue first consult with the person who is prescribing the medication for depression. Don’t stop the medication without the advice of the clinician who is prescribing the medication!
If your clinician doesn’t know any competent cognitive therapists, you can contact the Academy of Cognitive Therapy for a possible referral (Academy of Cognitive Therapy website).