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Personality traits predict current and future functioning comparably for individuals with major depressive and
Christopher J Hopwood1, Leslie C Morey, M Tracie Shea
1Department of Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA. chopwood@neo.tamu.edu
The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
|May 1, 2007
Summary
Normative personality traits significantly impact patient functioning, regardless of whether they have major depression (Axis I) or personality disorders (Axis II). Assessing these traits is valuable for both diagnostic categories.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Personality Psychology
Background:
- The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, third edition (DSM-III) separated Axis I (clinical disorders) and Axis II (personality disorders) to highlight the influence of personality on psychopathology.
- The clinical utility of this distinction is questioned, as the boundary between Axis I and Axis II disorders can be unclear in practice.
- Understanding normative personality traits' influence on functional status is crucial for treatment decisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the significance of normative personality traits as predictors of functional status in patients.
- To compare the contribution of personality traits to functioning in individuals with major depression (Axis I) versus personality disorders (Axis II).
Main Methods:
- The study examined the relationship between normative personality traits and functional status in two distinct patient groups.
- Group 1 comprised patients diagnosed with major depression.
- Group 2 comprised patients diagnosed with personality disorders.
Main Results:
- Normative personality traits were found to be significant predictors of functional status in both patient groups.
- The relevance of personality traits as predictors of functioning was comparable for individuals with major depression and those with personality disorders.
- These findings underscore the importance of personality traits across different diagnostic categories.
Conclusions:
- Personality traits play a significant and consistent role in determining functional status for individuals with both Axis I and Axis II disorders.
- The assessment of personality traits is clinically relevant and beneficial for a comprehensive understanding of patient functioning, irrespective of their primary diagnosis.
- This supports the integrated assessment of personality alongside psychopathology in clinical practice.
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