Personality attributes of depressive patients

Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1983 Jul;40(7):783-90. doi: 10.1001/archpsyc.1983.01790060081010.

Abstract

Three groups of depressive patients (endogenous bipolar, endogenous unipolar, and nonendogenous) and one nondepressive control group displayed statistically significant differences on several personality variables when the patients were in a depression-free interval. Each of the depressive groups had stronger autodestructive-neurotic tendencies than the control group. The nonendogenous patients were overautonomous and aggressive, the endogenous unipolar patients lacked autonomy, and the endogenous bipolar patients had a hypomanic drive toward success and achievement and were anancastic and aggressive. These results were controlled for the influence of persisting symptoms of depression. They rectify generally accepted views and represent a basis for further clinical research.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Achievement
  • Aggression / psychology
  • Bipolar Disorder / diagnosis
  • Bipolar Disorder / psychology
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurotic Disorders / psychology
  • Personality Assessment
  • Personality Inventory
  • Personality*