Phobic, panic, and major depressive disorders and the five-factor model ofpersonality

This study investigated five-factor model personality traits in anxiety (si mple phobia, social phobia agoraphobia, and panic disorder) and major depre ssive disorders in a population-based sample. In the Baltimore Epidemiologi c Catchment Area Follow-up Study, psychiatrists administered the Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry to 333 adult subjects who also c ompleted the Revised NEO Personality Inventory. AU of the disorders except simple phobia were associated with high neuroticism. Social phobia and agor aphobia were associated with low extraversion. Ln addition, lower-order fac ets of extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness were associated w ith certain disorders (i.e., low positive emotions in panic disorder; low t rust and compliance in certain phobias; and low competence, achievement str iving, and self-discipline in several disorders). This study emphasizes the utility of lower-order personality assessments and underscores the need fo r further research on personality/psychopathology etiologic relationships.