Use of the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) for assessment of personality in chronic fatigue syndrome.
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.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Dept. of Psychiatry, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium.
Elise
E
Van Campen
Filip
F
Van Den Eede
Greta
G
Moorkens
Chris
C
Schotte
Rik
R
Schacht
Bernard G C
BG
Sabbe
Paul
P
Cosyns
Stephan J
SJ
Claes
D000328:Adult; D002605:Character; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D015673:Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010552:Personality Assessment; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D013694:Temperament