Temperament traits in seasonal affective disorder, suicide attempters with non-seasonal major depression and healthy controls

Author(s): Westrin, A., Engstrom, G.

Journal/Book: J Affect Disorders. 1999; 54: PO Box 211, 1000 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands. Elsevier Science Bv. 55-65.

Abstract: Background: Very few studies have compared the temperament traits in matched suicidal and non-suicidal patients with major depression. Methods: We compared the temperament traits in two matched groups of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), MDD with seasonal subtype (SAD) without any suicide attempt (n = 23) and MDD without seasonal variation who attempted suicide (non-SAD SA), and compared the patients to matched healthy controls by using the Karolinska Scales of Personality (KSP) and the Marke-Nyman Temperament (MNT) questionnaires. Results: Both the SAD and non-SAD SA groups showed significantly higher Somatic Anxiety, Muscular Tension, Psychasthenia, Irritability, Suspicion, and lower Socialization and Validity than the controls. The non-SAD SA group also showed significantly higher Psychic Anxiety, Detachment and Guilt as compared to controls. When the SAD and the non-SAD SA were compared, we found significantly higher Somatic Anxiety, Psychic Anxiety and Muscular Tension for the non-SAD SA group. Conclusions: Both SAD and non-SAD SA patients display different temperament profiles compared to controls and in comparison with each other and the suicide attempters Show especially high trait anxiety and hostility. Clinical Relevance: The results suggest that trait anxiety and hostility, but not impulsivity, are associated with suicidal behavior in major depression.

Note: Article Pendse B, Univ Lund Hosp, Div Psychiat, Dept Clin Neurosci, S-22185 Lund, SWEDEN

Keyword(s): seasonal affective disorders; SAD; major depression; suicide attempt; temperament; MNT; KSP; 5-FACTOR MODEL; LIGHT THERAPY; PERSONALITY; VULNERABILITY; ANXIETY; SCALE; MOOD

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