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Theories of general personality and mental disorder

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

C. Duggan*
Affiliation:
East Midlands Centre for Forensic Mental Health, Leicester
J. Milton
Affiliation:
East Midlands Centre for Forensic Mental Health, Leicester
V. Egan
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Glasgow Caledonian University
L. McCarthy
Affiliation:
East Midlands Centre for Forensic Mental Health, Leicester
B. Palmer
Affiliation:
Trent Institute for Health Services Research, University of Nottingham Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham
A. Lee
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
*
C. Duggan, East Midlands Centre for Forensic Mental Health, University of Leicester, Arnold Lodge, Cordelia Close, Leicester LE5 0LE, UK
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Abstract

Background

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

Aims

To provide preliminary data to address this deficit.

Method

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.

Information

Type
Papers
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2003 
Figure 0

Table 1Correlation matrix of NEO—FFI and IPDE interview (DSM classification-dimensional scores)

Figure 1

Table 2Factor analysis of the EPI—N and BDI

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