The influence of depressive state features on trait measurement

Background: Certain personality characteristics may change during depression, reflecting temporary states, while others remain stable. This study investigates the stability of personality during depression. Identification of depression-sensitive personality traits may help to elucidate the mechanisms that influence course and outcome of depression. Methods: For 42 ambulatory and 38 day care patients with a depressive disorder, depression severity and personality characteristics were measured repeatedly during a 12 week-period. The total HDRS score was indicative of depression severity, while the NEO-FFI was used for measurement of basic personality traits and the IPS for depression-specific traits. Results: In 12 weeks, depression severity significantly decreased for both patient groups. The Big Five traits Neuroticism and Extraversion and all but one aspect of Interpersonal sensitivity showed depression-related changes towards the normal range. Openness, Altruism and Conscientiousness remained stable. Limitations: The number of patients excluded from the study due to missing data is substantial. Furthermore, it was not possible to control for treatment influence due to a double-blind design. Conclusions: Neuroticism, Extraversion and Interpersonal sensitivity scores are likely to reflect state components during a depression, while the stability of Openness, Conscientiousness and Altruism scores indicates pure personality traits.