Association Of Affective Temperaments Research Articles

The association between accelerated vascular aging and cyclothymic affective temperament in women

ObjectiveAffective temperaments (depressive, anxious, irritable, hyperthymic, cyclothymic) are regarded as the biologically stable core of personality. Accumulating data suggest their relationship with cardiovascular diseases. However, there are currently limited data on the association of affective temperaments and accelerated vascular aging. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationship between affective temperaments and vascular age, as assessed by coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS). MethodsIn our cross-sectional study, 209 consecutive patients referred to coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) due to suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) were included. All patients completed the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Vascular age was estimated using CACS and its difference from chronological age for each patient was calculated. Linear regression analysis was used to identify predictors of accelerated vascular aging in the entire cohort and in male and female sub-populations. ResultsBesides traditional risk factors, cyclothymic temperament score proved to be an independent predictor of accelerated vascular aging in women (β = 0.89 [95%CI: 0.04–1.75]), while this association was absent in men. ConclusionsOur results suggest that cyclothymic affective temperament is associated with accelerated vascular aging in women. Assessment of affective temperaments may potentiate more precise cardiovascular risk stratification of patients.

The association between early vascular aging and cyclothymic affective temperament

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. onbehalf Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group Background Affective temperaments (depressive, anxious, irritable, hyperthymic, cyclothymic) are regarded as the biologically stable core of personality, and accumulating data implies their relationship with cardiovascular diseases. There are currently limited data on the association of affective temperaments and early vascular aging. Purpose The aim of our study was to assess the potential relationship of affective temperaments and vascular age, as assessed by coronary CT. Methods In our current cross-sectional study, 209 patients referred to coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) due to suspected coronary artery disease (CAD), were included. After the evaluation of medical history and demographic parameters, all patients completed the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Vascular age was estimated using coronary artery calcium (CAC) score and we calculated its difference from chronological age for each patient. Linear regression analysis was applied to identify predictors of early vascular aging in the entire cohort and in male and female sub-populations, separately. Results The independent predictors of early vascular aging were female sex (B = -10.82 [95%CI: -15.30 – -6.33]), diabetes mellitus (B = 7.16 [95%CI: 1.20 – 13.12]) and dyslipidemia (B = -8.28 [95%CI: 3.94 – 12.62]). Further assessing gender differences, cyclothymic temperament score proved to be an independent predictor of early vascular aging in women (B = 0.89 [95%CI: 0.04 – 1.75]), while this association was absent in men. Conclusion Our results suggest that cyclothymic affective temperament contribute to early vascular aging in women.

Affective temperaments and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus

Objective Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common medical complication of pregnancy. The current study aimed to investigate the possibility of a relationship between affective temperaments and GDM. Methods This ethically approved cross-sectional study was conducted on 120 pregnant women with impaired glucose tolerance and 120 healthy pregnant women, all of whom were admitted to hospitals affiliated with Mashhad University of Medical Sciences for delivery during 2019. Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS)-21 and Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego-auto-questionnaire (TEMPS-A) were used to gather data. Mann–Whitney test was used to compare data between the two groups. A multivariate binary logistic regression model with maternal age, body mass index, and multiparity as the covariates was used to assess factors associated with GDM. Results Outcomes of TEMPS-A showed significantly higher scores of anxious and irritable temperaments in the GDM group compared to the control group (p = 0.014 and 0.023, respectively). Multivariate regression showed anxious temperament to be the sole independent predictor of GDM (odds ratio = 1.09, 95%confidence interval = 1.030–1.153; p = 0.003). DASS-21 anxiety score was also significantly higher among patients with GDM (p = 0.002). Severity of anxiety and stress according to DASS-21 was also significantly greater in patients with impaired glucose tolerance (p < 0.001 and p = 0.016, respectively). Conclusions It is ostensible that affective temperaments, especially anxious temperament, are potentially associated with the development of GDM and impaired glucose metabolism during pregnancy. Key points The association of affective temperaments with pregnancy complications has drawn compelling interest. The findings of this study showed significantly higher scores of anxious and irritable temperaments in GDM patients. GDM patients also showed significantly higher levels of anxiety compared to controls. Predominance of anxious temperament can be a potential risk factor that contributes to the development of GDM. Monitoring for GDM is especially recommended in pregnant women with predominant anxious and irritable temperaments.

The association of affective temperaments and bipolar spectrum psychopathology: An experience sampling study

Affective temperaments are trait-like expressions of affect that underlie mood psychopathology. Numerous studies have examined affective temperaments in laboratory-based studies; however, few have examined the expression of these temperaments in daily life. The present study examined affective temperaments and their associations with the expression of bipolar spectrum characteristics in daily life using experience sampling methodology. Young adults (n = 290) completed the TEMPS-A and were signaled eight times daily for 1 week to complete smartphone surveys assessing affect, cognition, and behavior. Hyperthymic temperament was associated with positive affect, sense of self, and success. In contrast, cyclothymic/irritable temperament was associated with negative affect, impulsivity, negative sense of self, and difficulty concentrating. Those high in cyclothymic/irritable temperament were especially reactive to the experience of stress. Affective temperaments were differentially associated with the expression of bipolar spectrum psychopathology in daily life. The findings offer validation of the TEMPS-A, as well as the adaptive and maladaptive characteristics of hyperthymic and cyclothymic/irritable temperaments.

Association of affective temperaments with blood pressure and arterial stiffness in hypertensive patients: a cross-sectional study.

BackgroundAffective temperaments (anxious, depressive, cyclothymic, irritable and hyperthymic) measure subclinical manifestations of major mood disorders. Furthermore, cumulating evidence suggests their involvement in somatic disorders as well. We aimed to assess associations between affective temperament scores and blood pressure and arterial stiffness parameters in hypertensive patients.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 173 patients with well-controlled or grade 1 chronic hypertension, with no history of depression, completed the TEMPS-A, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) questionnaires in three GP practices. Arterial stiffness was measured with tonometry (PulsePen).ResultsAccording to multiple linear regression analysis, cyclothymic temperament score was positively associated with brachial systolic blood pressure independently of age, sex, total cholesterol, brachial diastolic blood pressure, BDI, HAM-A and the use of alprazolam (β = 0.529, p = 0.042), while hyperthymic temperament score was negatively related to augmentation index independent of age, sex, smoking, heart rate, BDI, HAM-A and the use of alprazolam (β = -0.612, p = 0.013). A significant interaction was found between cyclothymic temperament score and sex in predicting brachial systolic blood pressure (p = 0.025), between irritable and anxious temperament scores and sex in predicting pulse wave velocity (p = 0.021, p = 0.023, respectively) and an interaction with borderline significance between hyperthymic temperament score and sex in predicting augmentation index (p = 0.052).ConclusionsThe present findings highlight elevated blood pressure among subjects with high cyclothymic temperament as well as an increased level of arterial stiffening in subjects with low hyperthymic scores suggesting that affective temperaments may play a role in the development of hypertension and arterial stiffening and may thus represent markers of cardiovascular risk. Sex differences were also present in these associations.

The association of affective temperaments with smoking initiation and maintenance in adult primary care patients

BackgroundSmoking behaviour and its course is influenced by personality factors. Affective temperaments could allow a more specific framework of the role trait affectivity plays in this seriously harmful health-behaviour. The aim of our study was to investigate if such an association exists in an ageing population with a special emphasis on gender differences. Methods459 primary care patients completed the TEMPS-A, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A). Subjects were characterized according to their smoking behaviour as current, former or never smokers. Univariate analysis ANOVA and logistic regression were performed to analyse differences in the three smoking subgroups to predict smoking initiation and maintenance. ResultsCurrent smokers were younger and less educated than former or never smokers. Males were more likely to try tobacco during their lifetime and were more successful in cessation. Depressive, cyclothymic and irritable temperament scores showed significant differences between the three smoking subgroups. Irritable temperament was a predictor of smoking initiation in females whereas depressive temperament predicted smoking maintenance in males with a small, opposite effect of HAM-A scores independent of age, education, lifetime depression and BDI scores. Whereas smoking initiation was exclusively predicted by a higher BDI score in males, smoking maintenance was predicted by younger age and lower education in females. LimitationsThe cross-sectional nature of the study design may lead to selective survival bias and hinder drawing causal relationships. ConclusionsAffective temperaments contribute to smoking initiation and maintenance independently of age, education, and depression. The significant contribution of depressive temperament in males and irritable temperament in females may highlight the role of gender-discordant temperaments in vulnerable subgroups.

Affective temperaments: Unique constructs or dimensions of normal personality by another name?

BackgroundCurrent models theorize that affective temperaments underlie the development and expression of mood psychopathology. Recent studies support the construct validity of affective temperaments in clinical and non-clinical samples. However, one concern is that affective temperaments may be describing characteristics that are better captured by models of normal personality. We conducted two studies examining: (a) the association of affective temperaments with domains and facets of normal personality, and (b) whether affective temperaments accounted for variance in mood symptoms and disorders, impairment, and daily-life experiences over-and-above variance accounted for by normal personality. MethodsStudy 1 included 522 young adults who completed the TEMPS-A and the NEO-PI-3. Study 2 included 145 participants who were administered the TEMPS-A, NEO-FFI, interviews assessing psychopathology and impairment, and an assessment of daily life experiences. ResultsStudy 1 revealed that personality domains and facets accounted for one-third to one-half of the variance in affective temperaments. However, study 2 demonstrated that affective temperaments accounted for unique variance in measures of psychopathology, impairment, and daily-life experiences after partialling variance associated with personality domains. Specifically, cyclothymic/irritable temperament predicted bipolar disorders, impairment, borderline personality traits, urgency, and anger in daily life. Hyperthymic temperament predicted hypomanic episodes, grandiosity, sensation seeking, and increased activity in daily life. LimitationsThe study was limited by the fact that only domain, not facet-level, measures of FFM were available in study 2. ConclusionsThe findings support the validity of hyperthymic and cyclothymic/irritable temperaments as indicators of clinical psychopathology and indicate that they provide information beyond normal personality.

Temperament, Post-Partum Depression, Hopelessness, and Suicide Risk Among Women Soon After Delivering

The aim of the authors in this study was to assess the prevalence of postpartum depression and evaluate the association of affective temperaments with emotional disorders in a sample of 92 pregnant women consecutively admitted for delivery between March and December 2009. In the first few days postpartum, women completed the Suicidal History Self-rating Screening Scale, the Beck Hopelessness Scale, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Temperament Evaluation of the Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego Autoquestionnaire, and the Gotland Male Depression Scale. Fifty percent of the women reported an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score of 9 or higher, and 23% a score of 13 or higher. Women with a dysphoric-dysregulated temperament had higher mean scores on the Beck Hopelessness Scale (p < 0.05), the Gotland Male Depression Scale (p < 0.001), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (p < 0.001), and the Suicidal History Self-Rating Screening Scale (p < 0.01) than other women after adjusting for covariates. Multiple logistic regression analysis with the temperament groups as the dependent variable indicated that only the Gotland Male Depression Scale was significantly associated with temperament when controlling for the presence of other variables. Women with a dysphoric-dysregulated temperament were 1.23 times as likely to have higher depressive symptom scores. Future studies should evaluate the effectiveness of psychiatric screening programs in the postpartum period as well as factors associated with depression and suicidality during the same period.

The role of the serotonin transporter in the background of traits associated with Neuroticism: the association of affective temperaments, anxiety and depression in a psychiatrically healthy population

Background Results from contemporary research suggest that the serotonin transporter gene plays a role in the background of several mental disorders related to the Neuroticism trait, which has also been associated with this gene. However, the Neuroticism trait and psychiatric disorders are very complex both in their manifestation and in their neurobiological background, with several, mutually interrelated genetic, neurochemical, psychological and social factors playing a role. Therefore in order to have a better understanding of what role 5HTTLPR plays in the background of affective and anxiety disorders on one hand, and in the background of the Neuroticism trait on the other, it seems more reasonable to find better described, more distinct and atomic entities composing these phenomena and investigate their association with the polymorphism in question. The aim of our research was to investigate the association of Neuroticism-related characteristics, such as depression, anxiety and affective temperaments with the 5HTTLPR polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene in a psychiatrically healthy population.

Association of 5HTTLPR with factors related to risk of suicide

Introduction:The 5HTTLPR polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene has been found to be significantly associated with suicide and it has also been described that suicidality is associated with increased impulsiveness, aggression and hopelessness. The aim of our study was to investigate the possible association of affective temperaments, hopelessness, aggression, impulsiveness and the 5HTTLPR s allele in a psychiatrically healthy population who have never attempted suicide.Methods:135 psychiatrically healthy women participated in the study. All participants completed the Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory (BDHI), the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), the Beck Hopelessness Scale and the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego questionnaire (TEMPS-A). 5HTTLPR genotypes were determined by PCR. Results were analysed using Analysis of Covariance and forward stepwise regression.Results:We found a strong association between the presence of the s allele and the studied characteristics. ANCOVA indicated that there is a strong relationship between Hopelessness and aggressiveness, impulsiveness and affective temperaments. Forward stepwise regression indicated a significant role for depressive temperament, anxious temperament, irritable temperament, hostility and motor impulsiveness in predicting hopelessness. Adjusted whole model R2 was 37.61%.Conclusion:Our study indicates a strong association between the s allele and factors related to increased risk of suicide. Our results show that depressive, anxious and irritable affective temperaments, hostility and motor impulsiveness influence Hopelessness, which has an important predictive role in the emergence of suicidal behaviours. Our results have implication for the recognition and prevention of possible emergence of suicidal behaviours within the healthy, non-depressed population.