Personality disorders in depression

Personality disorders and depression are among the most common mental disorders in the contemporary world. While seeking an answer to the question about the reason for the development of depression, we find a wide variety of concepts. In addition to genetic theories, we also find theories pointing to the role of personality traits and personality disorders as possible factors in depression development. Personality disorders and depressive disorders are inseparably connected with each other. Personality disorders are among the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders co-occurring with depression. The personality trait that seems to be particularly important in the development and course of depression is neuroticism. Among personality disorders, borderline personality, cluster C personality disorders (avoidant, dependent, obsessive-compulsive), and histrionic personality disorder occur most commonly in depressive patients. We find many models explaining the relationship between these two disorders, including the genetic vulnerability model, “scar” model, “coaggregation” model, pathoplasticity model, and neurodevelopmental theory. Attention should also be paid to the phenomenon of permeation of personality disorders and depressive symptoms, which can lead to diagnostic difficulties and mistakes. The aim of the study was to review the literature concerning the co-occurrence of personality disorders and depression and its impact on treatment course. In our study we also attempt to answer the question of whether personality disorders affect the development of depression or whether they are the result of depression or rather completely independent phenomena