[Comparison of the personality characteristics of the patients suffering from allergic rhinitis with those of normal people]

ABSTRACT

Personality characteristics are main determinant factors in the styles of confronting social, physical and psychological environment. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of personality characteristics in the incidence and severity of allergic rhinitis. This was a comparative-causative study and included 120 patients with allergic rhinitis in Tehran Allergic clinic in Taleghani Street. Also 120 normal people were selected and matched to the case group, as our control group. MCMI III questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analyzed by use of independent t- test. The results of this study showed that the mean scores of depression, negativism, anxiety disorder, somatoform and dysthymia were more than those of normal people [P depression, negativism, anxiety disorder, somatoform and dysthymia were more in the patients with allergic rhinitis. Therefore both medical and psychological interventions are recommended for the treatment of these patients