Measurement of temperament and character in mood disorders: a model of fundamental states as personality types

Background: Personality assessment may allow reliable measurement of risk of mood disorders. Methods: A group of adults (804) representative of the general population were assessed by questionnaire. Personality types were measured by the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). Results: Specific TCI configurations define personality types that can be described as hyperthymic, cyclothymic, irritable, and depressive. Each type had a unique profile of emotions, suicide attempts, and hospitalization. Conclusions: TCI traits are associated with mood disorders. Limitations: Different ways of measuring Kraepelinean subtypes may disagree. Whether differences in personality cause psychopathology, or vice versa, remains uncertain. Clinical relevance: Personality profiles help in assessing suicidality and planning treatment.