Effects of interpersonal psychotherapy on postpartum depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

BACKGROUND

Postpartum depression affects a significant proportion of women and can impair interpersonal functioning. Interpersonal difficulties may both contribute to and result from PPD, highlighting the importance of interventions targeting interpersonal interactions.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to systematically investigate the effect of interpersonal psychotherapy on postpartum depression symptoms.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to October 2025. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched by two independent researchers using predefined search terms related to interpersonal psychotherapy and postpartum depression. Eligible studies included RCTs evaluating interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) in women with postpartum depression, with outcomes measured within the first 12 months postpartum. Two researchers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2). Data were synthesized using R software, and pooled effect sizes were calculated using a random-effects model (DerSimonian-Laird method). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Out of 30,372 identified records, 9 RCTs met the inclusion criteria, encompassing a total of 1269 participants. Pooled analyses demonstrated that IPT significantly reduced postpartum depression symptoms compared with routine care across all follow-up periods from 4 weeks to 9 months postpartum (MD range = -1.91 to -4.05, p < 0.05). Sensitivity analyses and heterogeneity assessments supported the robustness of these findings, with stable effect sizes across studies and generally low to moderate variability (I2 = 0-88.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Interpersonal psychotherapy is more effective than routine care in reducing postpartum depression symptoms in the first 9 months of the postpartum period. These findings support IPT as a viable early intervention for women at risk of postpartum depression.

REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42024607590.