Comparison of the Rorschach Test Characteristics between Bipolar Disorder and Unipolar Depression

Abstract

Objective: Differential diagnosis based on descriptive psychopathology between bipolar and unipolar depression in the clinical setting is a still huge challenge. Projective psychological tests might provide additional clues. This study aimed to find distinct Rorschach test characteristics of bipolar depression in comparison with unipolar depression. Methods: Medical records and raw data of the Rorschach Inkblot test applied using standardized procedure for the Exner Comprehensive System were retrospectively reviewed for patients with bipolar disorder or unipolar depression. Individual variables of the Rorchach test were compared among three groups, i.e., (hypo) mania (n = 59), bipolar depression (n = 56) and unipolar depression (n = 25). Results: Bipolar depression group, in accordance with (hypo) manic group, showed more color reponses (WSumC), more extroverted and intuitive decision-making (EBright), and higher emotional expression (CF+C) and instability (ebright), compared to unipolar deperssion group. On the contrary, the (hypo) mania group displayed more cognitive errors (Sum6, WSum6) compared to both depression groups. Discussion: This study suggests that Rorchach test might provide valuable markers for differential diagnosis between bipolar and unipolar depression, and that some of those markers could be regarded as trait markers of bipolar disorder.