title: [Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome and Personality--Association of Somatic Symptoms and Psychic Structure].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Despite its high prevalence, little is known about the aetiology and maintenance of Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS). CPPS is is considered to be a multi-causal syndrome with discomfort and pain in the pelvis. Recent literature suggests that psychosocial factors are important for understanding CPPS. For example, CPPS has been associated with deficits in mentalization and bonding experiences. Our study aims to characterize features of personality disorders according to DSM-IV and psychic structure according to OPD-2 in CPPS patients. Furthermore, we examine the association of personality aspects with urological symptoms (NIH Questionnaire) and pain perception (MPQ Questionnaire).
  
  
  METHODS
  Personality aspects were assessed in a total of 109 patients from our CPPS outpatient clinic using standardized questionnaires. To characterize CPPS patients, we compared the sample's scores with reference groups, mostly the general population. In addition, the associations between personality aspects and both the urologic symptoms and pain perception were assessed using correlations. Missing data were replaced using multiple imputation methods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared to reference values, we found 'experiencing emotions' and 'creating relationships' as specific deficits in CPPS patients. Furthermore, patients' self-image (more dominant, higher depressive mood) differs from the general population. A higher pain perception was correlated with deficits in most personality aspects we measured. However, this was not the case for the severity of urological symptoms.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Compared to the reference values, only a few personality aspects differed in CPPS patients but there was a correlational association between different personality traits and pain perception. Despite the extend of symptoms, pain perception is associated with difficulty (emotional ability) in dealing with emotions, self-management and relationships. These personality aspects should be taken into account when planning therapy.
authors.affiliation: Institut und Poliklinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Psychsomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf & Schön Klinik Hamburg Eilbek.
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Albrecht
authors.affiliation: Institut und Poliklinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Psychsomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf & Schön Klinik Hamburg Eilbek.
authors.forename: Bernd
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Löwe
authors.affiliation: Institut und Poliklinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Psychsomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf & Schön Klinik Hamburg Eilbek.
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: A Brünahl
authors.affiliation: Institut und Poliklinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Psychsomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf & Schön Klinik Hamburg Eilbek.
authors.forename: Björn
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Riegel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002908:Chronic Disease; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D000071896:Medically Unexplained Symptoms; D008875:Middle Aged; D058748:Pain Perception; D017699:Pelvic Pain / Q000523:psychology*; D010551:Personality; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D010556:Personality Tests; D012016:Reference Values; D013577:Syndrome; D055815:Young Adult