Personality profiles of mothers of children with mitochondrial disorders

Mothers of children with mitochondrial disorders, inherited neurodegenerative diseases, are faced with a frightening diagnosis and numerous demands associated with caring for these children. The psychological profile of mothers whose children carry a mitochondrial disorder is unknown. Forty-two mothers of children with mitochondrial disorders were interviewed and administered the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory--Second Edition (MMPI-2). Fifty-six per cent of the mothers had scores in the pathological range on three or more scales, most notably on Hypochondriasis, Hysteria and Paranoia scales. The MMPI-2 profile is associated with situational anxiety and stress or may be associated with carrier status characteristics. Whatever the cause, future studies need to determine whether supportive services can reduce the level of anxiety and stress in mothers of children with these disorders.