Research: FIELD and COLLEAGUES,

Listed in Issue 172

Abstract

FIELD and COLLEAGUES,  University of Miami School of Medicine, Touch Research Institute, FL 33101, United States. tfield@med.miami.edu evaluated the effectiveness of psychotherapy combined with massage therapy for pregnant women diagnosed with depression.

Background

Methodology

One hundred and twelve pregnant women who were diagnosed as depressed were randomly assigned to a group who received group Interpersonal Psychotherapy or to a group who received both group Interpersonal Psychotherapy and massage therapy. The group Interpersonal Psychotherapy (1h sessions) and massage therapy (20 min sessions) were held once per week for 6 weeks.

Results

The data suggested that the group who received psychotherapy plus massage attended more sessions on average, and a greater percentage of that group completed the 6-week program. The group who received both therapies also showed a greater decrease in depression, depressed affect and somatic-vegetative symptom scores on the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D), a greater decrease in anxiety scale (STAI) scores and a greater decrease in cortisol levels. The group therapy process appeared to be effective for both groups as suggested by the increased expression of both positive and negative affect and relatedness during the group therapy sessions.

Conclusion

These data highlight the effectiveness of group Interpersonal Psychotherapy and particularly when combined with massage therapy for reducing prenatal depression.

References

Field T, Deeds O, Diego M, Hernandez-Reif M, Gauler A, Sullivan S, Wilson D and Nearing G. Benefits of combining massage therapy with group interpersonal psychotherapy in prenatally depressed women. Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies 13(4): 297-303. Oct 2009. Source: NLM. NIHMS151370 [Available on 10/01/10]  Source: NLM. PMC2785018 [Available on 10/01/10]

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