Behavioral Activation Reduces Perinatal Suicide Ideation: Insights from the SUMMIT Trial

Introduction

Suicide remains a leading cause of maternal mortality in the postpartum period, underscoring a pressing need for effective, evidence-based interventions tailored for perinatal women. Perinatal depression, affecting both pregnant and postpartum individuals, often coexists with suicidal ideation (SI), posing significant risks to maternal and infant health. Behavioral activation (BA) psychotherapy, a structured intervention focusing on increasing engagement with rewarding and meaningful activities, has emerged as a promising treatment for depression, but its impact on perinatal suicide ideation requires further elucidation.

Study Background