ABSTRACT
Psychological factors may trigger or exacerbate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. This study was conducted to analyse psychological factors and personality of patients consulting for irritable bowel syndrome. 100 outpatients at Hdi Chaker hospital of Sfax who met Rome II diagnosis for irritable bowel syndrome, were scheduled for psychological and medical assessment, During psychological assessment, patients completed the Minnesota Multiphasic Personnality Inventory. Personality disorder was found in 68%of subjects [hysteric 32%, depressive 29%, somatization 29%, paranoiac 10%]. The study of psychologic profile of patients with irritable bowel syndrome has shown that psychologic distress is more frequently encountered in patients with abnormal personality than those with normal personality. Patients with irritable bowel syndrome have an increased prevalence of personality disorders. Psychological factors have a profound influence on the onset, expression and course of Stable bowel syndrome, particularly in more severely affected patients. Considerations should be given to a psychological disturbace, precipitating factors such as a major life stress, and assessment of personality disorders. A strong physician-patient relationship provide firm a psychological support