Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Postpartum Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Miaoxiong Yang, Baozhi Song, Yatao Jiang, Ying Lin, Jiahua Liu
Iranian Journal of Public Health December 1, 2023 DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v52i12.14311 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review and meta-analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Patients with postpartum depression |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based interventions |
| Topics | Meditation Depression |
| Keywords | Bdi Postpartum depression |
| Citations | 11 |
| Key findings | Mindfulness-based interventions significantly reduce depression in postpartum women compared to conventional therapy, with optimal effects from short, frequent sessions. |
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the intervention effect of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in patients with postpartum depression. The method of computer and manual keyword retrieval was used to search PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library. Literature included in the study was assessed for quality and meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Twelve articles were finally included in the study and the meta-analysis showed that 6 articles used the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to compare MBIs with conventional therapy, and the statistical heterogeneity between the combined results was low (P=0.18, I2=32%). The level of depression in postpartum depression patients was lower in the MBIs group than in the conventional group [MD=3.13, 95%CI (2.57, 3.70), P<0.00001]. Based on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the comparison between MBIs and conventional therapy had low statistical heterogeneity between the combined results (P=0.56, I2=0%). The level of depression in patients with postpartum depression who received MBIs was significantly lower than in the conventional care group [MD=5.89, 95%CI (4.88, 6.91), P<0.00001]. Subgroup analysis showed that the best intervention duration for MBIs for postpartum depression was within 4 weeks (SMD=-1.785), each session ≦60 minutes (SMD=-1.435), and participants had to complete the best three times per week (SMD=-2.185). MBIs can alleviate depression in women, thereby facilitating their adjustment to new life. It is recommended to practice mindfulness meditation for 30 minutes per day.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on depression, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Mindfulness-Based Programs for Perinatal Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Psychological Well-Being: A Systematic Meta-Review Mindfulness July 22, 2026
- Effects of mindfulness-based interventions on mental health among women with fetal loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Midwifery July 15, 2025
- Mindfulness-based interventions for preventing childhood maltreatment and restoring health among survivors: a public health perspective. Mindfulness June 1, 2025
Cites 17
- Mechanisms of mindfulness Journal of Clinical Psychology December 29, 2005
- Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Intervention on Psychological Well-being and Quality of Life: Is Increased Mindfulness Indeed the Mechanism? Annals of Behavioral Medicine June 1, 2008
- The effectiveness of mindfulness training on reducing the symptoms of postpartum depression Electronic Physician July 25, 2017
- Positive intervention effect of mobile health application based on mindfulness and social support theory on postpartum depression symptoms of puerperae BMC Women's Health October 10, 2022
- Feasibility of online mindfulness-based interventions for families affected with postpartum depression and anxiety: study protocol BMJ Open September 1, 2022
and 12 more in the library