title: Effects of dysthymia on personality assessment.
abstract: Twenty-eight dysthymic patients (82.1% with personality disorders) were investigated with questionnaires for personality and depression before and after treatment. When in asymptomatic state, defined by clinical criteria and HAM-D score 6 or lower, the personality profile of 15 patients (group I) was significantly changed from the one before treatment (avoidant, passive-aggressive, borderline and schizotypal dimensions were lower, and narcissistic dimension higher [P < 0.01]). Thirteen patients (group II) had an unchanged profile. The first group showed significant state-trait dependence, especially of the borderline personality dimension. The second group manifested a permanent characterological affective syndrome, or a core borderline personality disorder. The limitations of personality assessment during affective episodes are discussed as well as the borderline level of functioning related to it.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Mental Health, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Palmoticeva 37, 11000 Belgrade, Yugoslavia.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lecic-Tosevski
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Divac-Jovanovic