The influence of depressive state features on trait measurement

Certain personality characteristics may change during depression, reflecting temporary states, while others remain stable. This study investigates the stability of personality during depression. Identification of depression-sensitive personality traits may help to elucidate the mechanisms that influence course and outcome of depression.

For 42 ambulatory and 38 day care patients with a depressive disorder, depression severity and personality characteristics were measured repeatedly during a 12 week-period. The total HDRS score was indicative of depression severity, while the NEO-FFI was used for measurement of basic personality traits and the IPS for depression-specific traits.

In 12 weeks, depression severity significantly decreased for both patient groups. The Big Five traits Neuroticism and Extraversion and all but one aspect of Interpersonal sensitivity showed depression-related changes towards the normal range. Openness, Altruism and Conscientiousness remained stable.

The number of patients excluded from the study due to missing data is substantial. Furthermore, it was not possible to control for treatment influence due to a double-blind design.

Neuroticism, Extraversion and Interpersonal sensitivity scores are likely to reflect state components during a depression, while the stability of Openness, Conscientiousness and Altruism scores indicates pure personality traits.