The Role of Early Maladaptive Schemas in Postpartum Depression

Purpose. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between postpartum depression and early maladaptive schemas. Design and Methods. The sample of our study consists of women who gave birth in Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and applied for control purposes at least in the 4th week and at the 6th month postpartum. Sociodemographic data and clinical evaluation form prepared by the researchers (the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EDSS)) and the Young Schema Scale-Short Form (YSS-SF3) were filled in by the participants. Findings. In the results of our study compared with women without depression, women with PPD had schema subdimensions of disconnection (emotional deprivation, social isolation, defectiveness), impaired autonomy (failure, pessimism, vulnerability to harm/illness), impaired self-boundaries (insufficient self-control), and high standards (approval-seeking) detected. Conclusion. The results of our study showed that some early maladaptive schemas are more common in women diagnosed with postpartum depression. Early detection of postpartum depression is very important for its prevention and treatment. Evaluation of early maladaptive schemas in postpartum women may be helpful in determining the risk of disease.