MELANCHOLIC PERSONALITY

A personality pattern disturbance characterized by a constant mild depression and an inability to enjoy life.Melancholic individuals are subdued and morose, but generally kind, sympathetic, and helpful to the point of submissiveness. They tend to be over- conscientious, industrious, and perfec-tionistic in their activities, but usually deprecate their contributions and worry about minor mistakes. They are constantly fearful of disapproval, and if anyone criticizes them, they suffer in silence instead of defending themselves. When faced with new problems, they are usually indecisive, insecure, and easily discouraged.This entire personality pattern is highly resistant to change, and there is a predisposition to affective disorder, including manic-depressive psychosis. See PERSONALITY PATTERN DISTURBANCE.