P02-325 - Personality Types A/B and D, Cholesterol and Homocystein in Major Depression Compared to PTSD with and Without Depression

Abstract

Background: Major depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are commonly associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) as well as hyperhomocysteinemia and hypercholesterolemia. Personality types A and D are claimed to be risk factors for CHD. Aim: To evaluate relations between risky personality types, cholesterol and homocystein serum levels in patients with major depression compared to PTSD patients with and without depression. Subjects and methods: Personality types A and D, cholesterol and homocysteine level were assessed in 40 patients with major depression and 40 male PTSD patients with and without depression. Results: Hypercholesterolemia and hyperhomocysteinemia were found more frequently in patients with major depression and PTSD patients with depression than in PTSD without depression. Personality type D (tendency to experience negative emotions and social inhibition) was more frequent among PTSD patients compared to patients with depression, while there was no difference in personality A type (competitiveness, time urgency, aggressiveness and hostility) distribution. Conclusion: Hypercholesterolemia and hyperhomocysteinemia may be useful clinical markers related to specific treatment options in patients with major depression as well as in PTSD patients.