BACKGROUND: Certain personality characteristics may change during depression, reflecting temporary states, while others remain stable. This study investigates the stability of personality during depression. Identification of depression-sensitive personality traits may help to elucidate the mechanisms that influence course and outcome of depression. METHODS: For 42 ambulatory and 38 day care patients with a depressive disorder, depression severity and personality characteristics were measured repeatedly during a 12 week-period. The total HDRS score was indicative of depression severity, while the NEO-FFI was used for measurement of basic personality traits and the IPS for depression-specific traits. RESULTS: In 12 weeks, depression severity significantly decreased for both patient groups. The Big Five traits Neuroticism and Extraversion and all but one aspect of Interpersonal sensitivity showed depression-related changes towards the normal range. Openness, Altruism and Conscientiousness remained stable. LIMITATIONS: The number of patients excluded from the study due to missing data is substantial. Furthermore, it was not possible to control for treatment influence due to a double-blind design. CONCLUSIONS: Neuroticism, Extraversion and Interpersonal sensitivity scores are likely to reflect state components during a depression, while the stability of Openness, Conscientiousness and Altruism scores indicates pure personality traits.
BACKGROUND: Certain personality characteristics may change during depression, reflecting temporary states, while others remain stable. This study investigates the stability of personality during depression. Identification of depression-sensitive personality traits may help to elucidate the mechanisms that influence course and outcome of depression. METHODS: For 42 ambulatory and 38 day care patients with a depressive disorder, depression severity and personality characteristics were measured repeatedly during a 12 week-period. The total HDRS score was indicative of depression severity, while the NEO-FFI was used for measurement of basic personality traits and the IPS for depression-specific traits. RESULTS: In 12 weeks, depression severity significantly decreased for both patient groups. The Big Five traits Neuroticism and Extraversion and all but one aspect of Interpersonal sensitivity showed depression-related changes towards the normal range. Openness, Altruism and Conscientiousness remained stable. LIMITATIONS: The number of patients excluded from the study due to missing data is substantial. Furthermore, it was not possible to control for treatment influence due to a double-blind design. CONCLUSIONS: Neuroticism, Extraversion and Interpersonal sensitivity scores are likely to reflect state components during a depression, while the stability of Openness, Conscientiousness and Altruism scores indicates pure personality traits.
Authors: Leslie C Morey; M Tracie Shea; John C Markowitz; Robert L Stout; Christopher J Hopwood; John G Gunderson; Carlos M Grilo; Thomas H McGlashan; Shirley Yen; Charles A Sanislow; Andrew E Skodol Journal: Am J Psychiatry Date: 2010-02-16 Impact factor: 18.112
Authors: Lynne Lieberman; Stephanie M Gorka; Ashley A Huggins; Andrea C Katz; Casey Sarapas; Stewart A Shankman Journal: J Nerv Ment Dis Date: 2016-04 Impact factor: 2.254
Authors: Moniek C Vlasveld; Christina M van der Feltz-Cornelis; Johannes R Anema; Willem van Mechelen; Aartjan T F Beekman; Harm W J van Marwijk; Brenda W J H Penninx Journal: J Occup Rehabil Date: 2013-09
Authors: R Martín-Santos; E Gelabert; S Subirà; A Gutierrez-Zotes; K Langorh; M Jover; M Torrens; R Guillamat; F Mayoral; F Canellas; J L Iborra; M Gratacos; J Costas; I Gornemann; R Navinés; M Guitart; M Roca; R DE Frutos; E Vilella; M Valdés; L García Esteve; J Sanjuan Journal: Psychol Med Date: 2012-07 Impact factor: 7.723