Effects of dysthymia on personality assessment.
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.
Lecic-Tosevski
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D
Institute for Mental Health, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Palmoticeva 37, 11000 Belgrade, Yugoslavia.
Divac-Jovanovic
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M