Personality Traits Linked to Late-Life Depression and Suicide Risk, New Research Finds
Recent PhD research from Anna Szücs at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam highlights the significant role personality traits play in understanding and potentially preventing depression and suicidal behavior in older adults. The findings, reported by the Dutch Knowledge Center for Anxiety, Compulsion and Depression (NedKad), suggest that customary risk factors often seen in younger adults – like prior depression or suicide attempts – are less prevalent in those experiencing these issues for the first time later in life.
Szücs’ research, comprised of twelve studies, identifies distinct vulnerability profiles among elderly individuals at risk. She discovered that some individuals who experience late-life depression or suicidal thoughts exhibit an “over-controlled” personality,characterized by perfectionism,a strong sense of duty,and a need for control. for this group, experiences of loss – including loss of status, independence, or health – appear to be notably impactful.
Conversely, another group demonstrates an “under-controlled” profile, displaying traits such as neuroticism, borderline personality features, or narcissism.This group often shows an elevated risk extending from earlier in life.
The research emphasizes the need for tailored preventative and therapeutic approaches. Szücs argues that interventions shoudl be aligned with an individual’s underlying personality and life experiences. For example, those with an over-controlled personality might benefit from strategies focused on accepting change and loss, while individuals with an under-controlled profile may require support in emotion regulation and impulse control.
The dissertation, titled “Personality determinants of depression, suicide risk, and help-seeking in old age: Towards understanding the individual differences that underly clinical heterogeneity,” underscores the importance of healthcare providers considering not onyl mood complaints but also personality style, coping mechanisms, and experiences of loss when assessing older adults.
By recognizing these personality-based vulnerabilities and resilience factors, healthcare professionals can potentially identify at-risk individuals earlier and provide more targeted support.
Source: nedkad.nl.
