Behavioural Activation (BA) for Postnatal Depression in Blackpool

A Two Phase Pilot of a Behavioural Activation (BA) Programme Specifically Adapted to Support Women Experiencing Postnatal Low Mood in Blackpool

Is Behavioural Activation feasible, acceptable and potentially effective for mothers experiencing post natal depression in Blackpool?

Phase 1: A series of single case studies which aim to examine and refine a) the appropriateness of the programme to women in Blackpool b) the suitability of BA as part of a stepped-care approach to perinatal mental health within the Health Visitor pathway and c) the delivery of the programme in practice.

Phase 2: A preliminary single group study examining the quantitative outcomes for participating women (i.e. symptoms of depression, anxiety and general mood, parental stress, responsiveness, and behavioural avoidance and activation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years or older
• Score between 10-19 on PhQ9
• Have given birth within the last 6 months
• Willing to engage in a psychological therapy
• Informed, prepared and safe to participate in the programme
• Able to understand spoken and basic written English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Under 18 years old
• Score under 10 or over 19 on the PHQ9
• Receiving another from of psychological treatment for depression
• Unwilling to engage in a psychological therapy
• Another primary area of difficulty which takes precedence over the current programme (e.g.substance dependency disorders, suicidal crises, frequent, serious and deliberate self-harm, acute threat in the form of serious interpersonal violence from a partner or friend or family member, and evidence of more serious mental health disorders which may require additional support, i.e., psychotic disorders, Bipolar Disorder