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

Abstract EN

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.