Five Personality Traits in Late-onset Depression in Hong Kong

This study aimed to examine the association between five personality traits and late-onset depression in Hong Kong older people.

This cross-sectional study included a convenience sample of 40 older people with late-onset depression (LOD) and 54 non-depressed elderly controls. The patients were assessed using the NEO Five Factor Inventory (for personality), the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (for depression severity), the Mini-Mental State Examination (for cognitive function), the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (for functioning), and the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (for number of physical illnesses).

The LOD group had a higher Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score (18.9 vs 3.7, p < 0.001), lower Mini Mental State Examination score (24.9 vs 26.4, p = 0.004), and lower Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale score (21.9 vs 23.7, p = 0.013). On the NEO Five Factor Inventory, the LOD group had a higher neuroticism score (30.7 vs 17.5, p < 0.001) and lower scores on extraversion (19.0 vs 26.4, p < 0.001), openness (18.9 vs 21.5, p = 0.026), and conscientiousness (29.1 vs 33.8, p < 0.001). Neuroticism was the only significant predictor of LOD (odds ratio = 2.325, p = 0.001) and the only significant factor associated with depression severity (β = 0.581, p = 0.003).

The personality trait of neuroticism is associated with LOD and its severity. Assessment of personality traits should be included in the assessment of people with depression.