Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for psychological distress in pregnancy: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Abstract
Clinically significant psychological distress in pregnancy is common, with epidemiological research suggesting that between 15 and 25 % of pregnant women experience elevated symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. Untreated psychological distress in pregnancy is associated with poor obstetrical outcomes, changes in maternal physiology, elevated incidence of child physical and psychological disorders, and is predictive of maternal postpartum mood disorders. Despite the wide-ranging impact of antenatal psychological distress on mothers and their children, there is a gap in our knowledge about the most effective treatments that are available for psychological distress experienced in pregnancy. Additionally, no trials have focused on potential physiological changes that may occur as a result of receiving mindfulness training in pregnancy. The proposed trial will determine the effectiveness of an 8-week modified Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) intervention delivered during pregnancy.
Description
Keywords
Perinatal Depression, Psychological Distress, Heart Rate Variability, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Subjective Sleep Quality
Citation
Tomfohr-Madsen, L. M., Campbell, T. S., Giesbrecht, G. F., Letourneau, N. L., Carlson, L. E., Madsen, J. W., & Dimidjian, S. (2016). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for psychological distress in pregnancy: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-016-1601-0