Effectiveness of an Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) Group Depression Treatment for Head Start Mothers: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: : Maternal depression is known to be a serious problem with higher rates among poor and racial/ethnic minority mothers that can have numerous negative impacts on their children. These mothers have less access to effective care and may be wary of traditional mental health care because of the stigma. The purpose of this study was to test whether an adaptation of an Interpersonal Psychotherapy group for perinatal depression could be effective in reducing depressive symptoms of mothers whose children were enrolled in Head Start. Methods: : Forty-nine mothers, randomized by site, were recruited into the intervention group, 70 into the control group. They were measured on depressive symptoms, parenting stress, parenting behavior, and parent child interaction at intake, at end of the group, and 6 months following. Results: : The intervention group was lower in depressive symptoms at the end of treatment with a further decrease 6 months post intervention. There was no change in the control group. The intervention group also improved in parenting stress. Limitations: : The sample size for the intervention group was smaller than desired. Conclusions: : This study supports the effectiveness of this 12 session IPT group which was highly effective for a population of Head Start mothers. It is a strategy that can be adapted to other settings that serve low income mothers.