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Introversion & Depression

The terms "introvert" and "extrovert" originated from psychologist Carl Jung's personality theory. Jung saw the introvert as directed toward the inside world, drained by social interaction, and the extrovert as its opposite. He recognized that most people fall along a continuum, exhibiting both extroversion and introversion in varying degrees. While introverts are not necessarily more susceptible to depression, they do tend to have a more difficult time with recovery, according to a study at the University of Illinois.

  1. Myers-Briggs Introvert

    • The Myers-Briggs scale is a diagnostic questionnaire designed to measure the psychological means with which people make decisions and perceive the world. Extroversion and introversion, as defined by Carl Jung, are on either side of the scale. Myers-Briggs introverts are typically "reflective" or "reserved" and enjoy being alone or with one or two close friends more than interacting with large groups.

    Isolation

    • Introverts tend to enjoy being alone, but when depression sets in, this isolation can deepen and become dangerous. According to the University of Illinois study, isolation can begin slowly and become a way of life. Friends and family used to the introvert's quiet lifestyle, might not notice increased isolation as quickly as they would in an extrovert.

    Dopamine

    • The neurotransmitter dopamine is implicated in an individual's level of extroversion, according to a study in "Psychiatry Research." Introverted individuals typically have lower levels of dopamine in their brains. Dopamine is also a reward mechanism, driving motivation and goal-oriented behavior. Lower levels of dopamine are associated with social withdrawal and extreme shyness. Lower dopamine correlates with depression in introverts.

    Treatment

    • Helping an introvert seek treatment involves honoring the introverted personality style. Group therapy might not be the best option. However cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can work well for introverts. According to the National Alliance for Mental Illness, CBT focuses on introspection and patterns of thinking that are problematic, encouraging the patient to look inward.

    Suicide Risk

    • Suicide ranks as the eleventh leading cause of death in the U.S. According to eMedicine, social isolation is strongly correlated with suicide risk. Isolation, something strongly correlated with the introverted depressive, is also correlated with feeling trapped or stuck, another risk factor for suicide.

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