Personality in unipolar and bipolar manic‐melancholic patients

Abstract

By use of standardized case-recording criteria (MULTI-CLAD) manic-melancholic patients were classified as unipolar (n= 13) and bipolar (n= 23). Personality patterns were evaluated when patients were in a neutral mood (defined by low symptom rating scale scores). Results showed that the similarities in the personality patterns of unipolars and bipolars were much more pronounced than the differences. In general, the score patterns of the various scales in both groups of patients were found to be within the normal score range. However, this was indirectly expressed by high Lie (or denial) score levels on the Eysenck scale. The dynamic explanations of this form of symptom-denial are discussed. Moreover, our findings are discussed in connection with lithium treatment which was the main therapy the patients had received.