Personality profiles of patients with dysthymic and panic disorder

The research objective was to identify personality characteristics as well as similarities between, and differences in personality profiles of persons suffering from Dysthymic (DD) and Panic Disorder (with/without Agoraphobia) (PD/PDA).

Three groups (N=120) were analysed: DD, PD/PDA, and a healthy control group, matched by socio-demographic characteristics and classified in sub-groups according to gender. Diagnoses were made using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV DD and PD/PDA, and the personality assessment was made using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 201 (MMPI-201).

MMPI-201 profile of DD and PD/PDA groups has been characterised by a global increase of "neurotic triad" scales (Depression-Hypochondriasis-Hysteria) (D-Hs-Hy), more expressed in the DD group. Sub-groups of women and men with DD, when compared to the healthy control group, have a significant (p<0.01) increase on the F, Hs, D, Pd, Pa, Pt and Sc scales, and sub-groups with PD/PDA a significant (p<0.01) increase on the F, Hs, D, Hy, Pa, Pt and Sc scales. Scores on the F, D, Hy, Hs, Pt, and Sc scales were significantly higher (p<0.05), as well as on the scale Pa (p<0.01) in men suffering from DD than in the PD/PDA sub-group. Women suffering from DD, when compared to the PD/PDA women, showed a significant increase (p<0.05) on the F and Hy scales.

Personality profiles of persons suffering from DD and PD/PDA are very similar, with differences being more dimensional than qualitative. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings have been discussed.