Comparing the early maladaptive schemas and lifestyle among the patients with depression and multiple sclerosis and normal people

Background: The present study was aimed to compare the early maladaptive schemas and lifestyle in the patients with depression and multiple sclerosis (MS) and normal people.

Method: This study was causal-comparative in design. The study sample consisted of 20 depressed and 20 MS patients who were selected through convenience sampling from among the patients referring to psychiatrists and psychologists in Khorramabad. In addition, 20 normal people were selected by matching method. Data were collected by Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQSF), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and the original Adlerian Scale for Interpersonal Success (Adult version). The obtained data was analyzed by MANOVA and follow-up Scheffé tests.

Results: Based on the results of MANOVA, there was a significant difference between early maladaptive schemas and lifestyle in depressed and MS patients and normal people (P ≤ 0.001). The results also showed that the mean scores of MS and depressed patients were significantly higher than that of normal people in the all components of lifestyle except belonging, social interest, coping, responsibility, striving for perfection and amenity.

Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the rate of early maladaptive schemas and unhealthy lifestyle was high in the patients with depression and multiple sclerosis, which could endanger their health. Therefore, it is essential to provide these people with appropriate training to cope with or adapt to these symptoms.