The alexithymia traits and personality characteristics in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the alexithymia traits and personality characteristics in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.Methods One hundred and twenty-six patients with irritable bowel syndrome were assessed by Toronto alexithymia scale(TAS) and Eysenck personality questionnaire at outpatient service of gastroenterology department in the Second People's Hospital in Yunnan Province during the year of 2010-2011.Results The patients with irritable bowel syndrome had certain alexithymia and the male patients were heavier than women in factor Ⅱ(lacking of understanding and distinguishing between the emotion and body feeling) and factor Ⅲ(less fantasy).The patients had certain personality characteristics and women were serious than men in neurotic.At the same time,alexithymia had some personality traits.The alexithymia was related to personality characteristics.Conclusion The patients with irritable bowel syndrome exist alexithymia and personality differences,the social psychological factors have certain effect to the disease.