G. MAINA, F. FORNER , G. ROSSO , V. SALVI, F. BOGETTO - Vol. 9, June 2003, Issue 2
Testo Immagini Bibliografia Summary Indice
Caratteristiche temperamentali in un campione
di 80 pazienti depressi
Temperamental features in a sample of 80 depressed patients
Objective
The aim of the present study was to analyze the frequency of the temperamental
features in a sample of 80 depressed patients and the relationship between
temperamental features and age of onset of depressive disorder.
Methods
Patients with diagnosis of depressive disorder (DSM-IV TR) were included
in the study. The affective temperament of every patients has been evaluated
with The Semi-structured Clinical Interview for Temperament (TEMPS-I).
Results
The most frequent temperamental phenotype is the cyclothymic (N=13; 16,3%).
Patients with cyclothimic temperament are characterized by an earlier age
of onset of depressive disorder – 30,7 (±11,9) years – in comparison with
patients without cyclothymic temperamental features. The difference is statistically
significant (p = 0,043).
Conclusions
According to the new concept of "soft bipolar spectrum", the
contemporary presence of depressive disorder – also minor – and cyclothymic
temperament identifies a subtype of bipolar disorder. The early onset of depressive
disorder in patients with cyclothymic temperament sustains this hypothesis
– in fact the average age at onset of bipolar disorder is earlier than that
of depressive disorder – and also suggests the opportunity of a temperamental
characteristics evaluation to diagnose bipolarity earlier. These preliminary
results need further studies to be confirmed.