Schema Therapy for Chronic Depression Associated with Childhood Trauma: A Case Study

Abstract

Chronic depression lasting longer than 2 years is often undertreated. Research suggests that maladaptive cognitive schemas mediate the association between childhood trauma and later depression. Schema Therapy (ST) is an integrative treatment approach that targets maladaptive cognitive schemas through cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal, and experiential interventions. ST has been studied in patients with chronic depression with good results. The purpose of this case study is to detail how an ST treatment was used to treat chronic depression in a woman, “Amy,” with a childhood trauma history. Amy presented with a persistent depressive disorder that had lasted over 40 years. An ST approach was chosen in light of the chronicity of Amy’s symptoms and her childhood trauma history. Standardized measures including the Beck Depression Inventory were used to assess progress throughout treatment. We provide a comprehensive summary of the 22-session ST case conceptualization and treatment, through which Amy’s depressive symptoms evidenced a 73 percent reduction. Amy qualitatively reported reduced depressive rumination and avoidance behaviors as well as increased frequency of positive mood.