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Personality Could Help Predict Bipolar Disorder

Article Summary

New research suggests that personality testing could help tailor treatment for people with bipolar disorder by predicting who is more likely to experience recurrent depression or struggle with daily life functioning. The study identifies combinations of personality traits, called personality styles, that either increase or protect against long-term mental health risks.

What This Means for You

  • Personality tests could guide personalized care for people with bipolar disorder, predicting depression risk and life functioning.
  • Specific personality trait combinations, known as personality styles, have emerged as predictors of bipolar disorder outcomes.
  • Personality traits, once considered fixed, may be modifiable through therapy or coaching.
  • Understanding your personality style can help you work with your clinician to modify traits and reduce long-term risk of depression and poor life management.

Original Post

Summary: Analyzing data from over 2,500 individuals, researchers identified combinations of personality traits that forecast depression risk and life functioning in people with bipolar disorder, challenging the idea that personality is fixed and suggesting that traits may be modifiable through therapy or coaching.

Key Facts:

  • Predictive Styles: Specific personality trait combinations forecast depression risk.
  • Modifiable Traits: Traits once considered fixed may be improved through therapy.
  • Personalized Care: Personality tests could guide tailored bipolar treatment planning.

Source: University of Michigan

Personalized care has become standard for patients with cancer, heart disease, and other conditions, but mental health care hasn’t reached that point yet. A new study suggests that this might be possible for people with bipolar disorder, using the results of detailed personality tests to predict outcomes and tailor treatment plans.

Researchers from the University of Michigan’s Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Program analyzed data from more than 2,500 people with bipolar disorder who took part in two long-term studies. They found that certain personality styles, or combinations of personality traits, emerged as predictors of bipolar disorder outcomes.

These styles, which are based on individual characteristics rather than comparing individuals to each other, are particularly important for predicting depression risk and life functioning. The researchers hope that this information can eventually inform treatment planning for clinicians and help patients understand their experiences, modify traits, and work with their clinicians to reduce long-term risks.

Key Terms

  • Personality Styles
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Personalized Care
  • Trait Modification
  • Depression Risk
  • Long-term Functioning
  • Therapy



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