Analyzing personality pattern for MDD Patients and Non-Depressive Adults

Abstract

The present research was conducted on patients suffering from MDD and on a normal population to analyze their personality pattern. The age range considered suitable for the study was 18-35 years. Females and males of the married and unmarried population were considered. 32 data from MDD patients and 41 data from the normal population were collected for analysis. Neo Five Factor Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory and General Health Questionnaire-28 were the prime questionnaires mentioned in the study. Descriptive and Inferential statistics were computed which revealed that MDD patients scored less in the four domains of personality except the Agreeableness domain. Background: MDD is a type of mood disorder that is consistent with low mood, sadness, loss of interest and dejection. This affects a person to the inner levels causing difficulty to conduct daily life activities both in private and public sphere. The Major Depressive Disorder has been more common with alarming frequency i.e., 15 to 20 times higher than schizophrenia. The epidemiological study results from National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS – R) have revealed that the lifetime prevalence rate was nearly 17 percent. This has accountably been higher in females than in males. Fortunately, depression is curable but has increased enormously especially after COVID-19 pandemic. Aim: The research aims to assess and compare the personality patterns for individuals suffering from major depression and normal population. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted by taking prior consent of individuals and hospitals or clinics. 32 data from clinical population and 41 data from normal population were gathered. For the clinical population, the questionnaires administered were Beck Depression Inventory ((Beck, Shaw, Rush and Emery (1979) and Neo Five Factor Inventory (McCrae and Costa, 1989). For the normal population, the tests conducted were General Health Questionnaire- 28 and NEO-FFI-III. Results: The four domains of personality namely Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness to Experience and Conscientiousness have shown similar evidence in all respects, but the domain Agreeableness have shown contrasting results for both the samples. Conclusion: The research could be concluded that the several domains of personality have been hindered and affected due to the presence of depressive symptoms for MDD patients and also for environmental circumstances. The cross-sectional study has corroborated with many of the studies as stated in review of literature. With gradual advancement in technology and medications the conditions of MDD patients would certainly increase.