title: Enzymes related to biogenic amine metabolism and personality characteristics in depressed patients.
abstract: Levels of the activity of enzyme systems involved in the synthesis and metabolism of biogenic amines have been linked in several reports in the literature with various psychopathological conditions and with variations in personality characteristics. In particular, significant negative correlations have been reported between levels of MAO-activity and sensation seeking. In the present study levels of MAO and DBH-activity were investigated in a series of 30 depressed patients, admitted consecutively, who completed a new personality inventory, the KSP, assumed to measure relatively stable personality traits. Our findings appeared to be consistent with those of earlier authors in that the most pronounced significant (negative) correlation occurred between MAO-activity levels and the monotony avoidance subscale of the KSP. This particular subscale is aimed precisely at measuring thrill-seeking and bears a close relation to the Sensation Seeking Scale used by other authors. In addition a weak positive correlation was found between the same subscale and levels of DBH-activity. Finally a weak negative correlation emerged between levels of MAO and the Guilt subscale of the KSP.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003863:Depression / Q000201:enzymology*; D004299:Dopamine beta-Hydroxylase / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008995:Monoamine Oxidase / Q000097:blood*; D010551:Personality; D010552:Personality Assessment
chemical_list: D004299:Dopamine beta-Hydroxylase; D008995:Monoamine Oxidase