Table 1 Summary of study characteristics for the seven included studies

Rojas 2007 (Chile)

I: 114

RCT

Multi-Component Intervention including psychoeducational group and structured pharmacology if needed

Yes

Usual Care

8 x 50 minute weekly sessions

EPDS

Greater improvement in EPDS over three months in the intervention group, with differences between groups remaining at six months, although decreased

C: 116

Milgrom 2005 (Australia)

I: 46

RCT

Group-based Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy. Including psychoeducation, role-playing and discussion

N/R

C1: Group-based counselling

9 x 90 minute weekly sessions

BDI

Significantly greater reduction in depression scores after all interventions compared to routine primary care

C1: 47

C2: Individual Counselling

C2: 66

C3: Routine Primary Care

C3: 33

Honey 2002 (UK)

I: 23

RCT

Controlled Psychoeducational Group (PEG). Educational information on post-natal depression, strategies for coping, cognitive-behavioural techniques

N/R

Routine Primary Care

8 x 2 hour weekly sessions

EPDS

Significantly greater reduction in depressive symptoms in intervention group compared to routine primary care

C: 22

Highet 2004 (Australia)

I: 136

Non RCT

Eight different, not mutually exclusive, treatment groups

Yes

Waiting List

N/R

EPDS

Significant decrease in depression for those in intervention groups compared to those in the waiting list group

C: 10

Clark 2003 (US)

I: 13

Non RCT

Mother-Infant Therapy Group. Based on interpersonal, psychodynamic, family systems and cognitive-behavioural approaches

N/R

C1: Individual Interpersonal Therapy

12 x 90 minute weekly sessions

BDI

No significant difference in reduction of depressive symptoms for intervention group on BDI. No superiority of group therapy over individual therapy but both show greater improvement than control on CES-D

CES-D

C1: 15

C2: Waiting List

C2: 11

Clark 2008 (US)

I: 18

Non RCT

Mother-Infant Therapy Group. Interpersonal, psychodynamic, family systems, and cognitive behavioural approaches

N/R

Waiting List

12 x 120 minute weekly sessions

BDI

Significantly greater improvement in depressive symptoms for intervention group compared to waiting list group

C: 14

Meager 1996 (Australia)

I: 10

Non RCT

Group Treatment. Social and emotional support, education component, cognitive-behavioural component, networking and communication

Yes

Waiting List

10 x 90 minute weekly sessions

BDI

Significant improvement in depression in intervention group compared to waiting list group

EPDS

C: 10