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Idiopathic constipation by colonic dysfunction. Relationship with personality and anxiety
G Devroede1, G Girard, M Bouchoucha
1Département de Chirurgie, Université de Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
Digestive Diseases and Sciences
|September 1, 1989
Summary
Constipated women exhibit distinct personality traits compared to arthritic patients, with higher scores in hypochondria and hysteria. Severe constipation may function as a psychological defense mechanism against life stressors.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Gastroenterology
- Psychology
Background:
- Chronic constipation affects a significant portion of the population, often co-occurring with chronic pain conditions.
- Personality factors are increasingly recognized as potentially influencing or being influenced by chronic gastrointestinal disorders.
- Understanding the psychological profile of patients with constipation is crucial for comprehensive patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the personality profiles of women with constipation (delayed colonic transit or colonic inertia) to those of women with arthritis.
- To identify specific personality traits associated with constipation.
- To explore the potential role of constipation as a psychophysiological defense mechanism.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) to assess personality.
- Compared personality data between two groups of constipated women and two control groups of arthritic patients.
- Employed discriminant analysis and multiple regression analysis to identify distinguishing factors and relationships.
Main Results:
- Constipated women showed significantly higher scores on hypochondria, hysteria, control, and low back pain scales.
- A lower score on the masculinity-femininity scale was observed in constipated women.
- Discriminant analysis correctly classified 83% of patients based on personality data alone.
- A strong correlation (r = 0.90) was found between ascending colon transit time and anxiety levels in women with delayed transit constipation.
Conclusions:
- Women with constipation of colonic origin possess a distinct personality pattern compared to arthritic women.
- Severe constipation may serve as a defense mechanism, with psychophysiological responses to stress substituting for emotional reactions.
- These findings suggest a significant interplay between psychological factors and colonic function in chronic constipation.