Perinatal Depression and Patterns of Attachment: A Critical Risk Factor?

• Published in: Depression Research and Treatment Vol. 2015; no. 2015; pp. 3 - 11
• Main Authors: Biondi, Massimo, Ciolli, Paola, Marini, Isabella, Zaccagni, Michela, Carluccio, Giuseppe Mattia, Giacchetti, Nicoletta, Aceti, Franca, Meuti, Valentina, Giancola, Orazio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cairo, Egypt Hindawi Limiteds 2015; Hindawi Publishing Corporation; John Wiley & Sons, Inc; Hindawi Limited
• Subjects: Adaptation; Colleges & universities; Mental depression; Obstetrics; Personal relationships; Postpartum depression; Pregnancy; Prevention; Psychopathology; Risk factors; Risk factors (Health); Womens health; Italy
• ISSN: 2090-1321; 2090-133X
• DOI: 10.1155/2015/105012

Background. This study aims to verify if the presence and severity of perinatal depression are related to any particular pattern of attachment. Methods. The study started with a screening of a sample of 453 women in their third trimester of pregnancy, who were administered a survey data form, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Experience in Close Relationship (ECR). A clinical group of subjects with perinatal depression (PND, 89 subjects) was selected and compared with a control group (C), regarding psychopathological variables and attachment patterns. Results. The ECR showed a prevalence of “Fearful-Avoidant” attachment style in PND group (29.2% versus 1.1%, p < 0.001 ); additionally, the EPDS average score increases with the increasing of ECR dimensions (Avoidance and Anxiety). Conclusion. The severity of depression increases proportionally to attachment disorganization; therefore, we consider attachment as both an important risk factor as well as a focus for early psychotherapeutic intervention.