Perinatal Depression, Prevention Strategies, Personality, and the Importance of Therapy Acceptance

Abstract

This comparative, short-term, longitudinal clinical study evaluated two depressed women during the perinatal period using multiple methodologies (interview, Rorschach, and measures of depression, coping, and quality of life). The results provide evidence for the interest and efficacy of a preventive therapeutic approach during this period. The study demonstrates that masochistic personality organization is a significant obstacle to patients’ acceptance of therapy and that a neurotic personality facilitates therapeutic acceptation. Possibilities for future research are discussed.