Changes in some personality traits after recovery from alcohol dependence/abuse, anxiety and depression - Results of a 5-year follow-up in a general population sample of women
Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, Volume 61, Issue 4 2007 , pages 279 - 287





The aim of this study was to analyse stability of and change in personality traits in a general population sample of women over 5 years.

Specific questions were how personality traits changed after a first episode of alcohol dependence/abuse (ADA), anxiety or depression disorders and after remission of an episode.

Personality traits were assessed with the Karolinska Scales of Personality (KSP) and lifetime psychiatric diagnoses given according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 3rd revised edition (DSM-III-R).

Mean T-scores (KSP) for the general population sample were stable between initial assessment and follow-up 5 years later. Correlations between assessments were high for most KSP scores, indicating high individual stability.

For women with resolved ADA, KSP scores were normalized to five scales at the follow-up assessment: somatic anxiety, muscular tension, monotony avoidance, social desirability and irritability.

Women who recovered from anxiety disorders during the follow-up had decreased scores in somatic anxiety and muscular tension and increased scores in verbal aggression.

Women who developed ADA during follow-up had increased scores on the scales impulsiveness and verbal aggression.

Women who developed depression during follow-up had increased monotony avoidance.

Personality traits were generally stable in this adult female population but some personality traits changed in association with changes in psychiatric disorders. This knowledge could be useful in evaluation of treatment needs and treatment outcome.

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Reprint Request E-Mail: Anette.Ostlund@socmed.gu.se

Contributor: Don Phillips
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