A Case of Postnatal Depression Effectively Treated with Solution-focused Approach

Abstract

We report a case of postnatal depression treated with a solution-focused approach, showing rapid improvement. The patient was a woman in her 40’s. She was anxious and felt uneasy about child care, and consequently became depressed due to feelings of inadequacy. She consulted our clinic nine months after giving birth. The diagnosis was depressive disorder, and we initiated a solution-focused approach involving a 20 minute session provided every other week. We set a goal of her wish to be able to go out and exercise with her baby, and she set her concrete problem of being able to get on a bus, and take part in swimming lessons with her baby. With the progression of interview, her range of activities broadened gradually. She stated in therapy sessions that her depression had improved, and had become able to work and take care of her baby. It is considered that her self-efficacy had improved after a remedial period, starting with small changes, for which she was complimented, and culminating in large changes that helped her achieve a concrete, practical goal. Because the postnatal depression was reduced, we consider that the solution-focused approach was effective.