[Psychological examinations of the personality of patients with cardiac syndrome X]

Przegl Lek. 2002;59(4-5):281-5.
[Article in Polish]

Abstract

76 patients with chest pain including 27 men and 49 women from 25 to 75 (mean 49.96 +/- 11.36) years old, were examined by means of the psychological test. All the patients showed positive exercise test and no changes in coronary arteries. Psychological test was done by the use of personality--MMPI--2 (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) test and depression was diagnosed by GDS (Geriatric Depression Scale) by J. Yesavage--15 questions version. The highest mean values in MMPI--2 were obtained in neurotic scales. It indicates that emotional disorders in these patients emerge as hypochondriacal and hysterical neurosis. In 37 patients (48.7%) neurotic scales showed typical "conversion valley" and these who show such a change in MMPI--2 talk mainly about somatic complains (not psychological) during long-term stress situation. In 25 (32.9%) patients single psychological symptoms of depression could be seen and depression episodes were diagnosed in 17 patients (22.4%).

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Angina Pectoris / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • MMPI*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Personality Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Personality Disorders / epidemiology
  • Personality Disorders / etiology*