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Is self-criticism unique for depression? A comparison with social phobia
B J Cox1, N A Rector, R M Bagby
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, PZ-430 PsycHealth Centre, 771 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, Man., Canada. coxbj@cc.umanitoba.ca
Journal of Affective Disorders
|March 10, 2000
Summary
Self-criticism is not unique to major depression. This personality trait is also prevalent in social phobia patients, suggesting it may play a role in other psychopathology beyond major depressive disorder.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Personality Disorders
Background:
- Investigated the diagnostic specificity of self-criticism, a personality dimension.
- Utilized the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire (DEQ) for measurement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine if self-criticism is a unique diagnostic marker for major depression.
- To compare self-criticism levels in major depression patients versus social phobia patients.
Main Methods:
- Compared patients diagnosed with major depression (n=26) to those with social phobia (n=32).
- Assessed self-criticism using the DEQ Self-Criticism dimension.
Main Results:
- Major depression patients scored higher on self-criticism than social phobia patients.
- Self-criticism did not predict diagnosis when controlling for depressed mood.
- Social phobia patients reported significantly higher self-criticism than previously reported in panic disorder patients.
Conclusions:
- Self-criticism is not exclusive to major depression and may be relevant in other psychopathological conditions.
- Cognitive features associated with depression might also be present in social phobia.
- Study limitations include a single measure of self-criticism and a cross-sectional design.