Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://dx.doi.org/10.25673/115187
Title: Personality factors in patients with myasthenia gravis : a prospective study
Author(s): Jordan, BeritLook up in the Integrated Authority File of the German National Library
Förster, LuiseLook up in the Integrated Authority File of the German National Library
Buchholz, Theresa
Sperfeld, Anne-DorteLook up in the Integrated Authority File of the German National Library
Zierz, StephanLook up in the Integrated Authority File of the German National Library
Issue Date: 2023
Type: Article
Language: English
Abstract: Introduction: In myasthenia gravis (MG), depression and anxiety have frequently been reported as comorbidities. However, little is known about personality characteristics in MG patients. We aimed to characterise personality traits in MG and to correlate them with disease severity and disease course. Methods: The Big Five Inventory data questionnaire was used to investigate personality traits in 44 MG patients and 45 healthy controls similar in age and gender. In 28 MG patients, a caregiver was also available for patient assessments to limit bias associated with social desirability in patients’ responses. Patients were assessed with regard to premorbid personality (before manifestation of MG) and to present condition. In addition, anxiety and depression scales (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Beck Anxiety Inventory) were applied. Results: Compared to controls, MG patients showed significantly higher levels of neuroticism, whereas openness and extraversion were significantly lower. Agreeableness and conscientiousness did not differ between groups. Neuroticism was influenced by disease severity such as generalization of weakness, presence of thymoma, and bulbar involvement as well as disease duration. Neuroticism correlated with premorbid level of neuroticism but also with depression and anxiety scores. Conclusion: A personality profile of increased neuroticism and lower openness and extraversion in MG patients may contribute considerably to the perception of disease severity. It may also be related to frequent comorbidities such as anxiety and depression. Although premorbid levels of neuroticism were increased, this characteristic may also increase considerably during the course of the disease. The data indicate that muscle weakness in MG is accompanied or even complicated by psychological aspects. Therefore, a psychological and behavioral intervention in addition to the specific pharmacological therapy might be of particular value.
URI: https://opendata.uni-halle.de//handle/1981185920/117143
http://dx.doi.org/10.25673/115187
Open Access: Open access publication
License: (CC BY 4.0) Creative Commons Attribution 4.0(CC BY 4.0) Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
Journal Title: Brain and behavior
Publisher: Wiley
Publisher Place: Malden, Mass.
Volume: 13
Issue: 11
Original Publication: 10.1002/brb3.3228
Page Start: 1
Page End: 10
Appears in Collections:Open Access Publikationen der MLU