Evaluation of the Perception of Group Therapy in Mothers with Postnatal Depression

Backgrounds: Postnatal depression (PND) affects 10 to 15% of women in the year after giving birth. The postnatal depression group is an innovative care device, a group therapy for mothers suffering PND, setup in 2008 by some professionals of a child psychiatry ward. The objective of the study was to evaluate the feelings of mothers with PND towards group therapy in order to assess the results and improve its delivery and quality. Patients and method: The study sample included nine mothers who participated in the PND group over the last six years. This is a qualitative study based on a semi-structured interview using a questionnaire. Results and discussion: All interviewed mothers were very satisfied with the group care and had a very positive overall feeling. Symptomatic improvement was particularly shown by removal of guilt, resocialization, and a renewed feeling of self-worth. The results highlight the importance of dialogue between a couple leading to an improved relationship with the partner. Group psychotherapy allows participants to discuss an emotionally intense experience with the progressive construction of a narrative in a contained and supportive space where putting it into words is possible. Conclusion: Taking into account the methodological limitations and characteristics of the study (small study sample, interview carried out over different timelines), the results of this preliminary study are promising and this therapeutic device would merit further development.