Technology-Based Interventions for the Treatment of Peripartum Depression: An In-Depth Systematic Review

Abstract Technology-based interventions have the potential to be effective in reducing peripartum depression and to increase the access to treatment. Previous systematic reviews focus on the efficacy of the interventions, giving little attention to the programs themselves. The aims of this review are to provide a comprehensive inventory of the program’s components and structure, to analyze their efficacy, and to offer general guidelines for interventions development. A systematic search was conducted in five databases and reported using PRISMA guidelines. An in-depth synthesis and analysis was performed globally as well as on each intervention program. Eighteen reports were included covering 11 different interventions. Overall, the interventions are effective, leading to medium-large reductions of peripartum depression symptoms. All relevant aspects were analyzed such as the most common components, number of sessions, completion rates, extra features, or screening procedure. Guidelines for program development were formulated based on the analysis, covering elements relevant for increasing efficacy as well as treatment adherence. Aspects regarding content as well as mode of delivery are considered.