Is self-criticism unique for depression? A comparison with social phobia.
BACKGROUND
This study further examined the diagnostic specificity of the self-critical personality dimension, as measured by the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire (DEQ; Blatt et al., 1976. The Depressive Experiences Questionnaire. Yale University Press, New Haven).


METHODS
Patients with major depression (n=26) were compared to social phobia patients (n=32).


RESULTS
Depressed patients scored significantly higher on the DEQ Self-Criticism dimension. However, when current level of depressed mood was controlled for, self-criticism was not a significant predictor of diagnostic status. Further, the level of DEQ self-criticism reported by patients with social phobia was almost three times greater than the level reported in an earlier diagnostic specificity study with panic disorder patients [Bagby et al., 1992. Diagnostic specificity of the dependent and self-critical personality dimensions in major depression. J. Affect. Disord. 26, 59-64].


CONCLUSIONS
Only one measure of self-criticism was used in this study, and the research design was cross-sectional rather than prospective.


CONCLUSIONS
Self-criticism is not unique to major depression, and this personality dimension may be implicated in other forms of psychopathology [Blatt, 1991. A cognitive morphology of psychopathology. J. Nerv. Ment. Dis. 179, 449-458]. Some cognitive features believed to play an important role in depression may also be salient in persons with social phobia.
Cox
B J
BJ
Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, PZ-430 PsycHealth Centre, 771 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, Man., Canada. coxbj@cc.umanitoba.ca
Rector
N A
NA
Bagby
R M
RM
Swinson
R P
RP
Levitt
A J
AJ
Joffe
R T
RT
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires