Associations between maladaptive personality traits and neuropsychiatric symptoms in nursing home residents with mental-physical multimorbidity.

Objectives

Previous research showed high prevalences of maladaptive personality traits in nursing home (NH) residents with mental and physical multimorbidity (MPM). Our study aimed to identify if these maladaptive personality traits are associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in this population.

Methods

142 residents with MPM (excluding dementia) were included, from Dutch gerontopsychiatric NH units. NPS were measured with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), analyzed in clusters: 'hyperactivity' (irritability, agitation/aggression, disinhibition), 'mood' (depression, anxiety, apathy) and 'psychosis' (delusions, hallucinations). Maladaptive personality traits were assessed with the present-time Hetero-Anamnestic Personality questionnaire (HAP-t). Partial correlations between HAP-t and NPI scores were calculated using multiple linear regression, controlling for potential confounders.

Results

Statistically significant correlations were found of 'uncertain' (-0.27, p = 0.002), 'rigid' (0.40, p < 0.001), 'vulnerable' (0.48, p < 0.001), 'self-satisfied' (0.59, p < 0.001), 'antagonistic' (0.64, p < 0.001) and 'unpredictable/impulsive' (0.65, p < 0.001) traits with 'hyperactivity' NPS. 'Somatizing' (0.19, p = 0.038), 'vulnerable' (0.20, p = 0.030) and 'socially avoidant' (0.48, p < 0.001) traits were significantly correlated with 'mood' NPS. HAP-t traits substantially explained the variance in 'hyperactivity' (55.8%) and 'mood' (42.6%). No significant correlations with 'psychosis' were identified.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the relevance of personality traits in late-life mental illness, suggesting target points for personalized treatment. Future studies are needed on personality-informed interventions in NHs.