Can onset and recovery in depression be predicted by temperament? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Behavioural inhibition and more specifically harm avoidance temperament dimension (HA) has been found to be associated with depression. Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) by Cloninger et al. is the most widely used instrument in the assessment of temperament. The aims of the present study were to explore 1) if current or future depressive symptoms in non-clinical adult sample can be explained by TCI temperament dimensions, and 2) if recovery from major depression (MDD) during the acute phase of treatment is predictable by TCI temperament dimensions. Method Literature search from eight databases. Systematic review and meta-analysis. Results High HA was associated with current depressive symptoms in 11/12 studies and with depressive trait in 3/4 studies. In MDD studies, a consistent negative change in HA was found during treatment and this change was even more clearly associated with treatment response. Limitations The studies with general population samples were heterogeneous in methodology. Most of the intervention studies were of case–control design. Conclusions HA is indisputably associated with the risk and treatment response in depression.