Personality as a vulnerability factor to depression

Br J Psychiatry. 1991 Jul:159:106-14. doi: 10.1192/bjp.159.1.106.

Abstract

One hundred and forty non-depressed primiparous women in a stable relationship completed two personality measures (the EPI and the IPSM) antenatally, and were then assessed for depression at several times post-natally. The risk of depression at six months was increased up to tenfold by high interpersonal sensitivity and threefold by high neuroticism. When previously depressed women were excluded from analyses, high interpersonal sensitivity and, to a lesser extent, high neuroticism were still associated with an increased risk of being depressed. Interpersonal sensitivity, as measured, is suggested as a refined personality risk factor to both the onset and recurrence of depression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Personality Inventory
  • Personality*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Puerperal Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Puerperal Disorders / psychology
  • Regression Analysis
  • Risk Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires