Relation of temperament and character properties with clinical presentation of bipolar disorder

The purpose of this study was to examine the underlying temperament and character properties of patients with bipolar disorder and explore the possible connections between these properties and clinical presentation of the illness.

The sociodemographic and clinical properties of 90 patients with bipolar disorder, who were euthymic according to Young Mania Rating Scale and Hamilton Depression Scale scores, were recorded. Their temperament and character features were evaluated by using Temperament and Character Inventory and results were compared with 90 age- and sex-matched healthy controls and between patients with different clinical properties.

Patients' scores on subscales of self-directedness and cooperativeness were significantly lower compared with controls. Significant associations were found between Temperament and Character Inventory subtitles and comorbid personality disorder, number of episodes, subtype of the first episode, rapid cycling, and previous suicide attempt.

Temperament and character features of patients with euthymic bipolar disorder show some significant differences compared to the healthy population and may vary according to different clinical presentations.