Theories of general personality and mental disorder.
BACKGROUND
A major shortcoming of current research into personality is its failure to explore the relationship between theories of general personality and mental disorder.


OBJECTIVE
To provide preliminary data to address this deficit.


METHODS
In the first of two studies, we examined the relationship between the Neuroticism, Extraversion and Other - Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) and DSM personality disorders in a consecutive series of mentally disordered offenders. In the second, we sought to separate the personality dimension neuroticism from symptoms of depressive disorder in a sample of subjects with current depression.


RESULTS
Factors from the NEO-FFI were associated with different personality disorders in a predictable manner (first study). It was possible to identify a component of neuroticism (i.e. 'worry') that could be separated from depressive symptoms (second study).


CONCLUSIONS
Theories of general personality theory can enlighten and refine descriptions of abnormal mental states by informing both their aetiology and their prognosis.
Duggan
Conor
C
East Midlands Centre for Forensic Mental Health, Leicester, UK.
Milton
John
J
Egan
Vince
V
McCarthy
Lucy
L
Palmer
Ben
B
Lee
Alan
A
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology; D005120:Extraversion, Psychological; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009497:Neurotic Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D010551:Personality; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests