Schema-focused therapy for major depressive disorder and personality disorder: A case study

Title

Schema-focused therapy for major depressive disorder and personality disorder: A case study

Reference

Seavey, A., & Moore, T. M. (2012). Schema-focused therapy for major depressive disorder and personality disorder: A case study. Clinical Case Studies, 11(6), 457-473. doi:10.1177/1534650112460571

Abstract

This is a single case study of a college age male with major depressive disorder and personality disorder not otherwise specified (NOS). The patient endorsed feelings of sadness, worthlessness, inattention, isolation, and suicidal and homicidal ideation. In addition, the patient endorsed inflexible and pervasive behavioral patterns such as paranoia, isolation, and narcissism. Treatment consisted of schema therapy, with an emphasis on the therapeutic relationship (limited reparenting). The patient completed Young’s Schema Questionnaire (YSQ) prior to initiating treatment and again following treatment. Schemas endorsed at moderate to high levels include Failure, Enmeshment, Abandonment, Emotional Deprivation, Punitiveness, Negativity/Pessimism, and Social Isolation. Following 68 weeks of schema therapy, the patient endorsed all 18 schemas at a 'low' level. In addition, whether these findings demonstrated clinically significant change was examined. Results indicate that four out of seven of the patient’s endorsed schemas demonstrated clinically significant change (Emotional Deprivation, Punitiveness, Negativity/Pessimism, and Social Isolation). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)

Keywords

schema-focused therapy; major depressive disorder; personality disorder; social isolation; Major Depression; Personality Disorders; Psychotherapy; Schema; Depressive Disorder; Depressive Disorder, Major;

Country

USA

Sample type

Clinical

Study focus

Schema therapy effectiveness

Study design

Case study