Five Personality Traits in Late-onset Depression in Hong Kong.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the association between five personality traits and late-onset depression in Hong Kong older people. METHODS This cross-sectional study included a convenience sample of 40 older people with late-onset depression (LOD) and 54 non-depressed elderly controls. The patients were assessed using the NEO Five Factor Inventory (for personality), the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (for depression severity), the Mini-Mental State Examination (for cognitive function), the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (for functioning), and the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (for number of physical illnesses). RESULT The LOD group had a higher Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score (18.9 vs 3.7, p < 0.001), lower Mini Mental State Examination score (24.9 vs 26.4, p = 0.004), and lower Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale score (21.9 vs 23.7, p = 0.013). On the NEO Five Factor Inventory, the LOD group had a higher neuroticism score (30.7 vs 17.5, p < 0.001) and lower scores on extraversion (19.0 vs 26.4, p < 0.001), openness (18.9 vs 21.5, p = 0.026), and conscientiousness (29.1 vs 33.8, p < 0.001). Neuroticism was the only significant predictor of LOD (odds ratio = 2.325, p = 0.001) and the only significant factor associated with depression severity (β = 0.581, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS The personality trait of neuroticism is associated with LOD and its severity. Assessment of personality traits should be included in the assessment of people with depression.