Is anxiety and depression related with personality in caregivers for patients with bipolar disorder?

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to analyse the correlation between state and trait anxiety, depression and personality traits in caregivers of patients diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder. Method: The study sample consists of care-givers of 34 patients diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder according to the DSM IV-TR criteria, and 37 healthy voluntary subjects demographically matched. The Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAIX I-II) scales have been applied to the subjects. Results: In this study, it has been found that STAIX-I and STAIX-II anxiety scores are higher in caregivers. The comparison between the groups has revealed that persistence (P) scores are higher in caregivers (P<0.001). A statistically significant correlation has been found between the STAIX -I score and harm avoidance (HA) score (r=0.36, P=0.04); STAIX-II score and harm avoidance (HA) (r=0.57, P<0.001); self-transcendence (ST) (r=0.41, P=0.01) and self-directedness (SD) scores (r=-0.60, P<0.001); HDRS score and harm avoidance (HA) (r=0.47, P=0.01) of TCI. Conclusion: Our results suggest that considering their personality traits, caregivers of patients with bipolar affective disorder should be assessed by clinicians more carefully and comprehensively in respect of anxiety.