Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Acknowledgements
- Introduction
- Part I The current model for depressive disorders and its impact on clinical management
- Part II The diagnosis and management of melancholic and psychotic depression
- Part III An introduction to non-melancholic depression
- Part IV Modelling and managing the non-melancholic depressive disorders
- 13 Acute stress-related non-melancholic depression
- 14 Acute stress-related non-melancholic depression: ‘key and lock’ model
- 15 Chronic stress-related non-melancholic depression
- 16 The perfectionist personality style and non-melancholic depression
- 17 Irritability and non-melancholic depression
- 18 Anxious worrying and non-melancholic depression
- 19 Social avoidance and non-melancholic depression
- 20 Personal reserve and non-melancholic depression
- 21 Rejection sensitivity and non-melancholic depression
- 22 Self-focused personality style and non-melancholic depression
- 23 Self-criticism and non-melancholic depression
- 24 Natural and alternative treatments for non-melancholic depression
- Appendix 1 The DMI-18 and the DMI-10
- Appendix 2 The CORE system of measuring psychomotor disturbance
- Appendix 3 The temperament and personality measure
- References
- Index
16 - The perfectionist personality style and non-melancholic depression
from Part IV - Modelling and managing the non-melancholic depressive disorders
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 17 August 2009
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Acknowledgements
- Introduction
- Part I The current model for depressive disorders and its impact on clinical management
- Part II The diagnosis and management of melancholic and psychotic depression
- Part III An introduction to non-melancholic depression
- Part IV Modelling and managing the non-melancholic depressive disorders
- 13 Acute stress-related non-melancholic depression
- 14 Acute stress-related non-melancholic depression: ‘key and lock’ model
- 15 Chronic stress-related non-melancholic depression
- 16 The perfectionist personality style and non-melancholic depression
- 17 Irritability and non-melancholic depression
- 18 Anxious worrying and non-melancholic depression
- 19 Social avoidance and non-melancholic depression
- 20 Personal reserve and non-melancholic depression
- 21 Rejection sensitivity and non-melancholic depression
- 22 Self-focused personality style and non-melancholic depression
- 23 Self-criticism and non-melancholic depression
- 24 Natural and alternative treatments for non-melancholic depression
- Appendix 1 The DMI-18 and the DMI-10
- Appendix 2 The CORE system of measuring psychomotor disturbance
- Appendix 3 The temperament and personality measure
- References
- Index
Summary
Perfectionist personality style
There are many social advantages to possessing perfectionist personality characteristics. Hard working and ambitious, perfectionists are usually successful at any tasks they undertake. Their self-imposed high standards, self-discipline, and control usually ensure a high level of productivity and achievement. These personality features may lessen the likelihood of being exposed to and being overwhelmed by unexpected stressors. However, extreme manifestations of perfectionistic traits can result in indecisiveness or in behaviour patterns that are too rigid or controlling. For example, perfectionism may be displayed as a tendency to prevaricate on making the ‘right’ decision in a way that overshadows the more immediate demands of making a decision.
Key characteristics of the Perfectionist Personality Style (derived from our Temperament and Personality Questionnaire):
Works hard at things.
Tries to do everything well.
Pushes themselves to be the best at things.
Succeeds at most things.
Commits fully to things.
Works to full potential.
When stressors are either diverse, numerous, or excessive, features of the perfectionist personality style may be more of a hindrance than a help. Especially prone to self-criticism, individuals with features of this personality style, when overwhelmed by stress, may become locked into a destructive downward spiral of ruminations over past behaviours and future decision-making. Momentary respite from such distress is usually achieved by indulging in reckless behaviours (e. g. driving too fast or self-consolatory bingeing on comfort foods) which may, at best, only serve to defer addressing immediate stressors, and at worst, further exacerbate their impact.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Modelling and Managing the Depressive DisordersA Clinical Guide, pp. 131 - 142Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2005