Depressive Personality Disorder: Causes and Risk Factors

Depressive personality disorder is a psychiatric diagnosis, not included in the latest DSM release (DSM-V). This personality disorder is a disorder characterized by cognitions that put an individual at higher risk of experiencing other mood disorders, such as major depressive disorder.

DSM-IV defined it as: ​”a pervasive pattern of depressive cognitions and behaviors that beginning in early adulthood and occurring in a variety of contexts.” Depressive personality disorder has a high comorbidity rate with both other personality and mood disorders. Because it typically occurs before, during, and after major depressive episodes, this disorder is considered a distinct diagnosis, with symptomatology not included in either of the mood disorders of major depressive disorder or dysthymic disorder.

Origins of Depressive Personality Disorder

Emil Kraepelin

​The depressive personality dates back to at least the time of Emil Kraepelin (1921). Kraepelin used the term “depressive temperament” to describe “fundamental states” that predispose individuals to the depressive disorder. Present diagnostic criteria mirrors Kraepelin’s description of these states.

Kraepelin characterized the depressive temperament as “being predominantly depressed, gloomy, and despairing, as well as overly serious, guilt-ridden, self reproaching, self-denying, and lacking confidence” (Bagby et al., 2003).

The depressive personality “has been used by clinical theorist from diverse perspectives and has been used by clinicians for years” writes Phillips, Hirschfeld, Shea, & Gunderson. They continue that the concept of a depressive personality has been referred to by a variety of names, such as “typus melancholicus, melancholic temperament, dysthymic temperament, characterologic depression, sub-affective dysthymia, dysthymic psychopathy, and anankastic personality disorder with depressive features” (Phillips et al., 1993).

​Individuals with depressive personality disorder exhibit affective, cognitive, and interpersonal attributes that substantially deviate from cultural norms. However, for a physician to consider these attributes pathological, there must be more than a person just exhibiting a negative tone. In order to amount to the level of a personality disorder they must be rigid and inflexible, creating what Theodor Millon refers to as vicious circles.

Theodore Millon and Vicious Cycles

Vicious circles, Millon explains is when a “person’s habitual perceptions, needs and behaviors perpetuate and intensify pre-existing difficulties” (Millon, 2016). In order to qualify as depressive personality disorder, one’s dejected, gloomy, worrying would be to a level that it interfered with life, intensifying “pre-existing difficulties.”

Individuals suffering from this disorder would “find it difficult to relax and find enjoyment, or to be anything but ‘work mode.’” They would have a “marked sense of personal inadequacy, with harsh self-judgements” (Bagby et al., 2003). Depressive thoughts are central to this diagnosis, guilt and regret take central stage, repeatedly intruding on the moment through unhealthy ruminations. They may also extend their harsh self-judgments to others.

People with this disorder may have exhibit self-sabotaging behaviors, motivated by a core belief that they don’t deserve happiness (Bagby et al., 2003).

Depressive Personality Disorder Symptoms

According to DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria (the last version of DSM to include depressive personality disorder), depressive personality disorder is:

1. A pervasive pattern of depressive cognitions and behaviors beginning in early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five or more of the following:
   • Usual mood is dominated by dejection, gloominess, cheerlessness, joylessness, and unhappiness
   • Self-concept centers around beliefs of inadequacy, worthlessness, and low self-esteem
   • Is critical, blaming, and derogatory toward oneself
   • Is brooding and given to worry
   • Is negativistic, critical, and judgmental toward others
   • Is pessimistic
   • Is prone to feeling guilty or remorseful

2. Does not occur exclusively during Major Depressive Episodes; and is not better accounted for by Dysthymic Disorder.

​Aaron Beck’s  Cognitive Triad and Depressive Disorder

​Aaron Beck’s cognitive triad of depression shares many of the cognitive characteristics of depressive personality disorder. Beck’s triad includes negative views of:

• self
• world
• future

---

Beck theorized that, “Depressed persons have distorted negative perceptions of themselves, their world, and their future.” Researchers Beckham, Leber, and colleagues explain that “negative cognitions in these areas, known as the cognitive triad, lead to feelings of depression” (Beckham, 1986, p. 566).

This gives a clue of the role of the personality disorder in connection with a diagnosis of a mood disorder. Accordingly, the personality disorder is a style of cognitions (such as the cognitive triad) and behaviors (such as self-sabotage) that leads to depression.

​​DSM History of Depressive Personality Disorder

​Originally, composers of the American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-II included depressive disorder. However, They removed the disorder in subsequent versions DSM-III and DSM-III-R. In DSM-IV-TR, the American Psychiatric Association included depressive disorder in Appendix B. However, they completely removed the disorder from all subsequent versions (DSM-VI; DSM-V-TR).

There are plenty of passionate arguments for and against inclusion of depressive personality order in the DSM. At this point, this should not be a surprise, since the diagnostic community, in general consider personality disorders as second class citizens. Until later versions of the DSM, Composers of the DSM designated personality disorders on a different axis (Axis-II disorders). 

Clinicians primarily diagnose personality disorders by cognitions and behaviors. Conversely, clinicians use normal symptomology when diagnosing most other psychiatric disorders.

​Comorbidity with Other Disorders

Many researchers believe that depressive personality disorder is so highly comorbid with other depressive disorders, such as manic-depressive episodes and dysthymic disorder, that having a separate category as a personality disorder as a distinct diagnosis is redundant.

Bagley, Rider, and Schuller argue there is no need for the inclusion of depressive personality disorder because the extent of the overlap between DPD and dysthymic disorder. They wrote that, “The greatest challenge to the validity of DPD–is the extent to which it is distinct from dysthymic personality disorder (dysthymia)” (Bagby et al., 2003).

However, many studies have found that dysthymic disorder and depressive personality disorder are not as comorbid as previously thought. Research found that almost two thirds of the test subjects with depressive personality disorder did not have dysthymic disorder.

For instance, Katherine Phillips and John Gunderson explain, “The features of depressive disorder are more personologic, cognitive, and psychological than the largely somatic symptoms of dysthymic disorder.” They continue, “It would be difficult to conceptualize dysthymic disorders’ primarily somatic features of appetite disturbance, sleep disturbance, fatigue, poor concentration, and feelings of hopelessness and low self-esteem as constituting a personality type” (Phillips & Gunderson, 1999).

Similar Comorbidity Rate As Other Personality Disorders

​Phillips and Gunderson argue, “Comorbidity rates between Axis I disorders that are similar to those for depressive disorder and other personality disordered are not typically taken to mean that one of the Axis I disorders does not exist” (Phillips & Gunderson, 1999).

​In a 2003 study, McDermut, Zimmerman, & Chelminski found that “although dysthymic disorder was significantly more common with participants with versus without DPD, only a minority of the participants diagnosed with DPD were also diagnosed with dysthymic disorder” (McDermut et al., 2003, p. 51).

The arguments for including or excluding depressive disorder from the DSM are moot since the disorder has been missing from the diagnostic text for nearly a decade. According to Wikipedia, since the personality disorder is no longer listed as a personality disorder, “the diagnosis of subclinical Other Specified Personality Disorder and Unspecified Personality Disorder can be used to classify an equivalent of depressive personality disorder.”

Associated Concepts

• Psychodynamic Theories: These theories, particularly those from the early 20th century, often relate depression to inwardly directed anger, introjection of love object loss, and severe superego demands.
• Cognitive-Behavioral Theories: These focus on how negative thinking patterns and behaviors contribute to depressive symptoms. They explore the interplay between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in the development and maintenance of DPD.
• Personality and Temperament Research: Studies in this area examine the relationship between personality traits, such as neuroticism, and depression. They also look at affective temperaments and how they may predispose individuals to depressive disorders.
• Mood Disorders: Mood disorders cover the spectrum of depression disorders which share some characteristics with depressive personality disorder.
• Anhedonia: This refers to the psychological state of no longer finding pleasure in activities that one once enjoyed. It is metronomically connected to the pleasure processing system in the brain and a common symptom in depression and schizophrenia.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): This is a type of depression that occurs in the winter due to reduced sunlight, affecting mood and energy levels.
• Social-Affective Disorders: These disorders, known as social affective processing disorders, refer to a range of conditions that impact an individual’s ability to understand and appropriately respond to social cues and emotions.

A Few Words by Psychology Fanatic

As we conclude our exploration of Depressive Personality Disorder, it’s essential to recognize that those who experience its weight are not defined by their struggles. Instead, they embody resilience and the potential for growth amidst adversity. Each story is unique; each journey toward healing is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to seek light in the darkest moments. Remember, compassion and understanding can bridge the gap between isolation and connection, offering support that fosters hope and renewal.

Together, we can create an environment where individuals feel safe to share their experiences without fear of judgment. By promoting awareness and empathy, we empower those affected by DPD to embrace their emotions while equipping them with tools for recovery. Let us stand united in our commitment to illuminate paths toward healing—through research, therapy, and community support—ensuring that every person finds solace on their journey back to joy and fulfillment.

Last Update: January 28, 2026

References:

Bagby, R., Ryder, A., & Schuller, D. (2003). Depressive personality disorder: A critical overview. Current Psychiatry Reports, 5(1), 16-22. DOI: 10.1007/s11920-003-0004-6
(Return to Main Text)

Beckham, E., Leber, W., Watkins, J., Boyer, J., & Cook, J. (1986). Development of an Instrument to Measure Beck’s Cognitive Triad: The Cognitive Triad Inventory. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 54(4), 566-567. DOI: 10.1037/0022-006X.54.4.566
(Return to Main Text)

McDermut, W., Zimmerman, M., & Chelminski, I. (2003). The Construct Validity of Depressive Personality Disorder. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 112(1), 49-60. DOI: 10.1037/0021-843X.112.1.49
(Return to Main Text)

​Millon, Theodore (2016) What Is a Personality Disorder?. Journal of Personality Disorders 30.3 (2016): 289-306. DOI: 10.1521/pedi.2016.30.3.289
(Return to Main Text)

Phillips, K., & Gunderson, J. (1999). Depressive Personality Disorder: Fact or Fiction?. Journal of Personality Disorders, 13(2), 128-134. DOI: 10.1521/pedi.1999.13.2.128
(Return to Main Text)

Phillips, K., Hirschfeld, R., Shea, M., & Gunderson, J. (1993). Depressive Personality Disorder: Perspectives For DSM-IV. Journal of Personality Disorders, 7(1), 30-42. DOI: 10.1521/pedi.1993.7.1.30
(Return to Main Text)

Related Articles