In contrast, the finding of matching DNA methylation patterns within the oxytocin receptor gene for perinatal depression and attachment insecurity is consistent with the theory that the perinatal period is a time of activation of existing attachment schemas for the purpose of structuring the mother–child relationship, and that such activation may occur in part through specific patterns of methylation of the oxytocin receptor gene. This evidence concerns the gene OXTR and perinatal asphyxia.