[Narcissistic crisis and prediction of post-partum depression: validation of a self-report questionnaire]

Encephale. 2000 May-Jun;26(3):44-52.
[Article in French]

Abstract

We sought a relationship between disorders of the narcissistic transition during pregnancy and post-partum depression. We designed a self-report questionnaire VASANT (Visual Analogic Scale for Assessment of Narcissistic Transition) in an attempt to identify women at risk from post-partum depression. A preliminary validation was carried out on 52 pregnant women. Seventeen women (33%) were identified using a semi-directive interview as suffering from a disorder in the narcissistic transition. These women had a significantly higher VASANT score (67.7 +/- 14.2 versus 20.2 +/- 8.4) than the others and had a higher incidence of post-partum depression. The value of the VASANT scale for prediction of post-partum depression is discussed.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Depression, Postpartum / diagnosis*
  • Depression, Postpartum / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Narcissism*
  • Personality Inventory / statistics & numerical data*
  • Pregnancy
  • Psychometrics
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Self-Assessment*