Study of type A and B behavior patterns in patients with multiple sclerosis in an Iranian population

ABSTRACT

In adults, throughout life, uniqueness maintains the equivalent; but, it might be tailored in the track of neurological disarrays. As in the partition of cognitive function associated with multiple sclerosis [MS], numerous studies have been performed, but there are very few reports in this area of behavior. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of personality types A and B in relation to individuals' behaviors with MS and type A behavior with demographic characteristics and the level of disability. A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed between September 2010 and March 2011 on 50 patients who were referred to MS clinic [located at the Kashani hospital], Isfahan Neurosciences Research Centre [INRC]. The subjects were evaluated using Friedman and Rosenman questioner and the Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS]. The data were analyzed by SPSS software [version 17] based on Chi-square test and independent T-test. Of the subjects, 65% were of personality type A and 35% were of personality type B [X2 3.5, P < 0.05]. There were no significant differences in individuals with type A behavior in relation to gender and marital status. In connection to EDSS [EDSS < 4.5 or EDSS > 4.5], patients with higher EDSS score, i.e., individuals with EDSS > 4.5 mostly had type A behavior pattern. People with type A behavior pattern are reported to have more stress, nervousness, and anxiety. In this study, MS patients had more characteristics of type A than type B behavior. This behavior was increased in individuals with EDSS score >4.5