Personality and depression.

Several studies suggest that measures of personality traits and disorders are affected by depressed state. However, none of the studies to date have evaluated the effect of depressed mood on personality using current diagnostic criteria. The effect of depressed mood on personality scale scores and personality disorder diagnoses using the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory was assessed in 42 depressed patients. There was a significant alteration in mean personality trait scores and reduction in personality disorder diagnosis between the depressed and remitted states. The clinical and theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.