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© 2019. Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the associated terms available at https://www.easap.asia/index.php/journal-menu/about-the-journal

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to examine the association between five personality traits and late-onset depression in Hong Kong older people.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included a convenience sample of 40 older people with late-onset depression (LOD) and 54 non-depressed elderly controls. The patients were assessed using the NEO Five Factor Inventory (for personality), the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (for depression severity), the Mini-Mental State Examination (for cognitive function), the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (for functioning), and the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (for number of physical illnesses).

Result: The LOD group had a higher Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score (18.9 vs 3.7, p < 0.001), lower Mini Mental State Examination score (24.9 vs 26.4, p = 0.004), and lower Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale score (21.9 vs 23.7, p = 0.013). On the NEO Five Factor Inventory, the LOD group had a higher neuroticism score (30.7 vs 17.5, p < 0.001) and lower scores on extraversion (19.0 vs 26.4, p < 0.001), openness (18.9 vs 21.5, p = 0.026), and conscientiousness (29.1 vs 33.8, p < 0.001). Neuroticism was the only significant predictor of LOD (odds ratio = 2.325, p = 0.001) and the only significant factor associated with depression severity (β = 0.581, p = 0.003).

Conclusions: The personality trait of neuroticism is associated with LOD and its severity. Assessment of personality traits should be included in the assessment of people with depression.

Details

Title
Five Personality Traits in Late-onset Depression in Hong Kong
Author
Chik, JDW; Poon, T K; Ng, RMK
First page
81
Publication year
2019
Publication date
Sep 2019
Publisher
Hong Kong Academy of Medicine
ISSN
20789947
e-ISSN
22247041
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
2581890320
Copyright
© 2019. Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the associated terms available at https://www.easap.asia/index.php/journal-menu/about-the-journal