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Use of the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) for Assessment of Personality in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Received July 19, 2006; revised June 19, 2007; accepted June 27, 2007. From the Dept. of Psychiatry, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium; the Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; the Dept. of Internal Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium; the Faculty of Psychology, Free University Brussels, Brussels, Belgium; Emergis, R.G.C. Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, Terneuzen, The Netherlands; and the Psychiatric Hospital St. Norbertushuis, Duffel, Belgium. Send correspondence and reprint requests to Prof. Stephan J. Claes, M.D., Ph.D., Dept. of Psychiatry, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium. e-mail: Stephan.Claes{at}uz.kuleuven.be
© 2009 The Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine

BACKGROUND: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterized by severe and prolonged fatigue, along with a set of nonspecific symptoms and signs, such as sore throat, muscle pain, headaches, and difficulties with concentration or memory. OBJECTIVE: The study examined whether CFS is associated with specific dimensions of Cloninger’s psychobiological model of personality. METHOD: Personality profiles were compared between 38 CFS patients and 42 control subjects by means of the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). RESULTS: The CFS group showed significantly higher scores on Harm-Avoidance and Persistence. CONCLUSION: The current study shows a significant association between specific personality characteristics and CFS. These personality traits may be implicated in the onset and/or perpetuation of CFS and may be a productive focus for psychotherapy.

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