Neuroticism and the number of complaints of ENT outpatients in London and Bangkok

Abstract Neuroticism and other indices of emotional distress have been found to be elevated in groups of medical patients. As most patients present with several complaints, this study examined the relationship between number of presenting complaints and N score. The subjects were ENT outpatients in London and Bangkok. Results generally supported the hypothesis that N increases with number of complaints. Three alternative explanations for this finding are offered. All groups of medical patients had elevated L-score means.