Measurement of temperament and character in mood disorders: A model of fundamental states as personality types

C. Robert Cloninger, Carmen Bayon, Dragan M. Svrakic

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

215 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Personality assessment may allow reliable measurement of risk of mood disorders. Methods: A group of adults (804) representative of the general population were assessed by questionnaire. Personality types were measured by the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). Results: Specific TCI configurations define personality types that can be described as hyperthymic, cyclothymic, irritable, and depressive. Each type had a unique profile of emotions, suicide attempts, and hospitalization. Conclusions: TCI traits are associated with mood disorders. Limitations: Different ways of measuring Kraepelinean subtypes may disagree. Whether differences in personality cause psychopathology, or vice versa, remains uncertain. Clinical relevance: Personality profiles help in assessing suicidality and planning treatment.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)21-32
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of affective disorders
Volume51
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 1998

Keywords

  • Character
  • Depression
  • Mania
  • Personality
  • Temperament
  • Typology

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