Psychological treatments

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Talking treatments

Another treatment option is to be referred to a psychologist or other professional for a talking treatment. There are various types, but their availability on the NHS can vary in different parts of the country. Talking treatments include the following.

Cognitive therapy. Briefly, cognitive therapy is based on the idea that certain ways of thinking can trigger, or 'fuel', certain mental health problems such as depression. The therapist helps you to understand your thought patterns. In particular, to identify any harmful, unhelpful, and 'false' ideas or thoughts which you have that can make you depressed. The aim is then to change your ways of thinking to avoid these ideas. Also, to help your thought patterns to be more realistic and helpful. Therapy is usually done in weekly sessions over several months. You are likely to be given 'homework' between sessions.
Cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT). This is a combination of cognitive therapy and behaviour therapy. Behaviour therapy aims to change any behaviours which are harmful or not helpful. In short, CBT helps people to achieve changes in the way that they think, feel and behave. (See separate leaflet for more details on CBT.)
Other types of therapy sometimes used include: interpersonal therapy, problem-solving therapy and psychodynamic psychotherapy. Also, some studies suggest that counselling types of treatment given by trained health visitors in short sessions over several weeks can be of help to ease postnatal depression.

For moderate depression, the number of people who improve with cognitive therapy and cognitive behaviour therapy is about the same as with antidepressants. Talking treatments may not be so good for some people with severe depression. This is because you need some motivation to do these treatments and people with severe depression often find motivation difficult.

Bear in mind, talking treatments are sometimes not practical for women with postnatal depression due to the time commitments required. Also, there is often a waiting list.

Some research suggests that a combination of an antidepressant plus a talking treatment such as CBT is better than either treatment alone.