The evaluation of personality of epileptic patients by using Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory

Objective: There is little research evaluating the personality of epileptic patients dimensionally in the literature. In this study we aimed to evaluate the personality traits of epileptic patients and compare them healthy controls by using Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). Methods: Seventy-eight consecutive epileptic outpatients and 85 healthy controls were included. Both groups were given TCI after evaluation by SCID I, SCID II and HAM-D. The data were analyzed with regard the group differences with t test (parametric condition) or Mann-Whitney U tests by using computer program. Results: The epileptic group were found significantly different (p<0.005) regarding TCI parameters; shyness, harm avoidance, persistence, self-forgetfulness, transpersonal identification, spiritual acceptance and self-transcendence. Accordingly, epileptic patients can be defined as pessimistic, fearful, shy, fatigable, lazy, underachiever, pragmatist, unimaginative, controlling, materialistic and possessive individuals compared to the control group. 23% of the epileptic group has had at least one DSM Axis I disorder. The most common diagnose was depression (n=10, 56%). Detected 37% (n=29) DSM-IV Axis II diagnosis of which 59% (n=17) consisted of cluster C personality disorders within the same group. Discussion: Our results showed that epileptic patients were differentiated with regard the TCI parameters compared to the healthy controls. Our results indicate that epileptics are more fearful, impersistent (easily discouraged) and concrete (lower in ST, less insightful and intuitive). To find out causal relationship between these differentiation and epilepsy, follow up studies in a larger sample are needed. (Anatolian Journal of Psychiatry 2011; 12:13-23)