Emotions and features of temperament in patients with Addison’s disease

Abstract

Introduction: Patients with Addison’s disease experience many somatic and psychic changes, which decrease their quality of life. The aim of the study was to evaluate the "psychological equipment" of these patients to cope with stress connected with this chronic disease and the challenge of constant treatment.
Material and methods: Fifteen patients (13 female, 2 male) were included in the study. Standard psychological tests were used to assess anxiety, temperament, depression, and emotional intelligence.
Results: The results show that patients with Addison’s disease have not only increased levels of anxiety and fear, and over-reaction to stimuli, but decreased performance efficiency and need for social contact as well. Such psychological characteristics may result in difficulties in doctor-patient communication, aggravation of patients’ feelings, limitation of patients’ involvement in therapy, and, finally, a decrease the effectiveness of therapy.
Conclusions: The temperamental characteristics and personal traits of patients with Addison’s disease seem not to be useful in stressful events, and psychological support can be helpful in the effective therapy of these patients.
(Pol J Endocrinol 2010; 61 (1): 90-92)