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Personality traits, brief recurrent depression and attempted suicide
H W Pretorius1, W Bodemer, J L Roos
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Pretoria.
Summary
This study links suicide attempts to brief recurrent depression and specific personality traits. Histrionic personality traits in women showed a strong connection to both suicidal behavior and recurrent depression.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Suicidal behavior is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding the interplay between personality, depression, and suicide attempts is crucial for effective intervention.
- Previous research suggests links between personality disorders and suicidal ideation, but specific patterns require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between attempted suicide, personality factors, and brief recurrent depression.
- To identify common personality traits associated with suicide attempts in a hospitalized patient cohort.
- To explore the connection between brief recurrent depression and specific personality profiles.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 307 patients hospitalized for suicide attempts.
- Clinical evaluation of demographic and psychiatric factors, including personality traits.
- A 5-year follow-up with 205 respondents completing questionnaires and personality assessments.
- Evaluation for brief recurrent depression at follow-up.
Main Results:
- Antisocial, dependent, and histrionic personality traits were most common in men who attempted suicide.
- Histrionic, dependent, and antisocial traits were most prevalent in women who attempted suicide.
- A significant relationship was established between suicidal behavior and brief recurrent depression.
- Histrionic personality traits in women were specifically linked to brief recurrent depression.
Conclusions:
- Suicidal behavior is strongly associated with the syndrome of brief recurrent depression.
- Histrionic personality traits, particularly in women, are linked to both suicidal attempts and brief recurrent depression.
- These findings highlight the importance of assessing personality factors in individuals with a history of suicide attempts and recurrent depression.