Treatment response in major depression: effects of personality dysfunction and prior depression.
BACKGROUND
The impact of personality dysfunction on the outcome of treatment for depression remains debated.


OBJECTIVE
To examine the relationship between the number of prior depressive episodes, personality dysfunction and treatment response for depression.


METHODS
In a large sample (n = 8229) of adult out-patients with a major depressive episode (DSM-IV), personality dysfunction was assessed using the Standardised Assessment of Personality - Abbreviated Scale (SAPAS). Potential predictors of treatment response at 6 weeks were examined via structural equation modelling.


RESULTS
The amount of personality dysfunction and number of prior episodes of depression were both associated with poor response to treatment. Once personality dysfunction was controlled for, the number of prior episodes of depression was not associated with treatment response.


CONCLUSIONS
Personality dysfunction is associated with impaired short-term response to antidepressant treatment in major depression. The apparent detrimental effect of prior depression on treatment response may be accounted for by pre-existing personality dysfunction.
Gorwood
P
P
INSERM U675, CMME-Sainte-Anne Hospital, 100 rue de Santé, 75014 Paris, France. p.gorwood@ch-sainte-anne.fr
Rouillon
F
F
Even
C
C
Falissard
B
B
Corruble
E
E
Moran
P
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010552:Personality Assessment; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D012008:Recurrence; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D000928:Antidepressive Agents