Personality, personality disorders and depression

Personality is one of most frequently investigated fields in depression research and, despite changes in research paradigms, has not lost its relevance. Numerous results concerning the conceptualization of conspicuous personality traits, their aetiopathogenetic significance, and their effect on treatment and course have contributed to a better understanding of depression. Genetics and neurobiology provide new incentives for research in this field. We present an overview of aspects relevant to personality research in depression including personality types, personality traits, temperament factors, and personality disorders. Especially results on personality factors' effect on treatment and course of depression, integrating these results with different personality models in depression, and their consequences to treatment and further research of personality traits in depression are discussed.