Psychosomatics
Author:
Keywords:
Adult, Character, Cognitive Therapy, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic, Female, Humans, Male, Personality Assessment, Personality Disorders, Temperament, Science & Technology, Social Sciences, Life Sciences & Biomedicine, Psychiatry, Psychology, ENVIRONMENTAL STRUCTURE, MODEL, QUESTIONNAIRE, DIMENSIONS, DISORDERS, ANXIETY, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, 1103 Clinical Sciences, 1701 Psychology, 3202 Clinical sciences, 4203 Health services and systems, 5203 Clinical and health psychology
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterized by severe and prolonged fatigue, along with a set of nonspecific symptoms and signs, such as sore throat, muscle pain, headaches, and difficulties with concentration or memory. OBJECTIVE: The study examined whether CFS is associated with specific dimensions of Cloninger's psychobiological model of personality. METHOD: Personality profiles were compared between 38 CFS patients and 42 control subjects by means of the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). RESULTS: The CFS group showed significantly higher scores on Harm-Avoidance and Persistence. CONCLUSION: The current study shows a significant association between specific personality characteristics and CFS. These personality traits may be implicated in the onset and/or perpetuation of CFS and may be a productive focus for psychotherapy.