Brain Behavioral Systems, Early Maladaptive Schema, and Premenstrual Syndrome as a predictors of Postpartum Blues

The present study aimed to investigate brain-behavioral systems, early maladaptive schemas and premenstrual syndrome as predictors of postpartum blues. The present study was a descriptive correlational research. Study population included all referred females who diagnosed as mothers with postpartum depression in health centers of Mashahd city during 2018. A total sample of 172 mothers with postpartum depression selected with Multi-stage cluster sampling method. The participants completed brain behavioral systems Scale, Early maladaptive Schema Scale, Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale, and Premenstrual Syndrome Scale. Collected data were analyzed by a stepwise regression model. The results showed that inhibition/activation behavioral systems, premenstrual syndrome, impaired autonomy and performance schemas and impaired limits schemas were all related to postpartum Blues. The behavioral inhibition system, impaired autonomy and performance schemas, impaired limits schemas  and premenstrual syndrome positively predicted postpartum Blues and the behavioral activation system negatively predicted postpartum Blues. Overall, the results of the study confirm that mood, are directly or indirectly influenced by psychological, endogenous and biological factors such as brain behavioral system, schema, premenstrual syndrome. In order to conceptualization, prediction and treatment postpartum blues disorder, we need to consider the role of early maladaptive schema, premenstrual syndromes and behavioral inhibition system.