[Personality structure of patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn disease, a psychological test study in disease remission].

30 patients with ulcerative colitis and 30 patients with Crohn's disease during remission were tested with the Freiburger Persönlichkeitsinventar (FPI) and standardized interview. There was no difference between both groups in the FPI, both were significantly less aggressive than controls. The patients with ulcerative colitis were more reserved and introverted, patients with Crohn's disease more self-confident, obliging and emotionally stable. Apart from two exceptions the answers in the standardized interview were similar in both groups. The patients with ulcerative colitis had a significantly better relationship with their mothers, the patients with Crohn's disease often called themselves "peacemaker". We couldn't confirm the clinical impression that there are important differences between patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. A remarkable result, however, is that our study of patients during the remission didn't show any characteristics as nervousness, depression, emotional restraint and instability as it is described to be for the acute phase.