[Psychosomatic approach to ulcerative colitis, a survey of its psychological characteristics -- viewpoint of the clinical psychologist].

INTRODUCTION

Provides a short overview of the basics of psychosomatic approach.

THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

Introduces ulcerative colitis (UC) in psychosomatic bibliography, its psychodynamic, behavioral and systemic approach, which is less investigated than irritable bowel syndrome. Describes picture of 'colitispersonality' and possible psychotherapeutic treatments found in bibliography. Later these psychological characteristics are investigated empirically.

METHODS

21 patients with ulcerative colitis and 21 healthy controls are compared by Hungarian versions of the Toronto Alaexithymia Scale (TAS-20), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) and the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WCQ).

RESULTS

UC patients can be described by higher measures of alexithymia (p<0.05), depression (p<0.05), and anxiety (p<0.05) than controls. Parental Bonding Instrument showed patients' higher level of 'overprotection' (p<.05), and lower of experienced 'restriction' (p<0.05). According to the WCQ patients show significant difference from healthy controls in ways of coping: have lower measures of 'problem-analyzing' (p<0.05), are less likely to 'seek social support' (p<0.05), and tend to show less 'purposeful action' (p=0.07).

CONCLUSIONS

Results showed, that there is at least a group of UC patients who may have the personality traits and psychological problems of the 'psychosomatic syndrome', and in their case psychological intervention, help would be relevant. This small-sample survey can be regarded as a presearch, and indicates the importance and necessity of further comprehensive investigation of UC patients' psychological characteristics.