Dysthymia and personality

Journal/Book: Eur Psychiat. 1998; 13: 23 Rue Linois, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France. Editions Scientifiques Medicales Elsevier. 188-197.

Abstract: Data on dysthymia and personality presented here are derived from the Zurich cohort study, which followed 591 subjects from the ages of 20 to 35. From childhood on, dysthymics experienced themselves as far more anxious and less self-confident than did major depressives or controls. They manifested more behavioural problems and high neuroticism and introversion scores. Dysthymics scored low in terms of quality of life, self-esteem and mastery, whereas they scored high in avoiding/denying behaviours. The hypothesis is advanced that behavioural problems, anxiety, high levels of neuroticism and personality disorders constitute risk factors for chronic depression. Evidence is presented of the existence of bipolar dysthymia.

Note: Article Angst J, Univ Zurich, Hosp Psychiat, POB 68, Lenggstr 31, CH-8029 Zurich, SWITZERLAND

Keyword(s): dysthymia; bipolar; personality; neuroticism; self-esteem; vulnerability; MAJOR DEPRESSION; PREMORBID PERSONALITY; AFFECTIVE-DISORDERS; UNIPOLAR; BIPOLAR; TRAITS; ADOLESCENTS; COMORBIDITY; CHILDHOOD; FAMILY

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