Disordered Personality Functioning Research Articles

Disordered personality style: higher rates in non-melancholic compared to melancholic depression

Objective: We test whether there is differential representation of disordered personality function across melancholic and non-melancholic depressive sub-types, with levels of differentiation examined against differing sub-typing measures. Method: In a sample of 245 subjects meeting criteria for a non-psychotic major depressive episode lasting less than 2 years, we examine for differential rates of disordered personality style across melancholic and non-melancholic depression, using four differing sub-typing measures (i.e., DSM-III-R and DSM-IV criteria, Newcastle Index, and the CORE measure). Disordered personality was assessed by psychiatrist ratings of 15 differing personality styles underpinning disorder classes, and several parameters and domains that reflect the arenas whereby disordered personality may be manifested. Results: However defined, those with non-melancholic depression were distinctly more likely to rate as showing disordered personality function, with over-representation to an avoidant personality disorder style being the most consistently and strongly identified personality disorder class. Because of limitations to several of the sub-typing measures, we focus on the DSM-IV system. Discriminant function analyses indicated that those so identified as having non-melancholic depression were significantly more likely to rate as having avoidant and schizoid personality styles. A principal components analysis of our 15 differing personality disorder classes identified three molar classes corresponding to the three-cluster DSM system. Again, non-melancholic (compared to melancholic) subjects were more likely to return higher scores: in order, an `anxious and fearful' (Cluster C) personality style, then an `eccentric' Cluster A, and somewhat less clearly, a `dramatic' Cluster B personality disorder style. Specificity to the non-melancholic depressive class was again suggested in relation to a large number of the parameters and domains measuring disordered personality function. Conclusions: Disordered personality function appears distinctly more likely in non-melancholic, compared to melancholic depression.

Suicide Risk and Violence Risk in Alcoholics Predictors of Aggressive Risk

The purposes of the study were: a) to examine whether risk for suicide and risk for violence were positively or negatively correlated; and b) to investigate potential predictors/mediators of suicide risk alone, violence risk alone, and risk for both suicide and violence. Suicide risk and violence risk were considered outcome variables. The predictor/mediator variables were eight ego defense mechanisms and 13 dysfunctional personality styles (both have been linked to aggressive risk). Seventy-four male alcoholics were administered questionnaire measures of suicide risk and violence risk, defenses, and disordered personality functioning. Results indicated that suicide and violence risk were significantly positively correlated. Three sets of predictor/mediator variables were identified: those predicting violence risk alone, those predicting suicide risk alone, and those predicting combined aggressive risk (risk for both suicide and violence). Connections obtained between predictor/mediator variables and outcome variables were explained in the context of existent clinical theory.

African-Centered Theses on Mental Health and a Nosology of Black/African Personality Disorder

Mental health is defined and a diagnostic system of ordered and disordered African (Black) personality functioning is discussed. The discussion first is grounded in the backdrop of briefly stated but fundamental "Advances in Black Personality Theory." Mental health is then shown to be rooted in the original human's biogenetic nature, and, hence, the natural order. Both ordered and disordered personality functioning are considered in this context. The nosology systematizes 18 of the disorders of the African personality (a) with one another and (b) with the nosological system prevalent in Euro-American psychology (DSM-ILI). Two cases (one actual, one contrived) are presented to illustrate practical usage of the nosology.