Personality examinations in individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Assessment of the question of the 'diabetic personality' in the literature is not completely unambiguous. For the first time in Hungary, personality examinations were performed in 53 young (average age 24.9 years) insulin-dependent patients; 20 young patients with ulcers served as controls. Three different psychological tests were carried out, and data were also obtained on the treatment, knowledge concerning the disease and way of life by means of questionnaires and interviews. On the basis of the results, it was concluded that there is no special 'diabetic personality'. Psycho-emotional factors exert an influence in all stages of the disease, in exactly the same way as in subjects with other chronic diseases. The need is emphasized for individual psychotherapy.