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Relationship of functional constipation and anal-retentive behavior features
Tonguç Utku Yılmaz1, Halil İbrahim Taş2, Ezgi Uçar1
1Department of General Surgery, Koceli University School of Medicine, Kocaeli, Turkey.
Turkish Journal of Surgery
|October 2, 2018
Summary
Functional constipation is linked to specific personality traits and anxiety. Anal-retentive behaviors were more prominent in individuals with constipation, suggesting psychotherapy like biofeedback may help.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Psychology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Constipation is a common defecation disorder influenced by environmental factors.
- Childhood anal period development is crucial for character and defecation function.
- Imbalances during this period may contribute to functional constipation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between functional constipation and anal characteristic features.
- To compare personality and anxiety levels in patients with functional constipation versus healthy individuals.
Main Methods:
- 47 patients diagnosed with functional constipation (Rome III criteria) were studied.
- Exclusion criteria included IBD, slow transit, outlet obstruction, malignancy, and psychiatric disorders.
- Participants completed the Personality Belief Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Obsessive Belief Questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Patients with functional constipation exhibited higher scores for avoidant, obsessive-compulsive, antisocial, narcissistic, and paranoid personality beliefs compared to controls.
- Elevated scores in perfectionism/certainty, importance and control, and hospital anxiety were observed in the constipation group.
Conclusions:
- Functional constipation may be associated with anal-retentive behavioral traits.
- Psychological factors and personality characteristics appear to play a role in functional constipation.
- Biofeedback therapy, a form of psychotherapy for defecation control, is a potential treatment option.
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