Personality traits and impaired health-related quality of life in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders

Background & aims: Negative affectivity and social isolation (Type D personality) are personality traits associated with poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We hypothesized these traits would be associated with impaired HRQoL and increased gastrointestinal symptom severity in functional gastrointestinal disorders.

Methods: Data were collected from patients undergoing breath testing. Patients completed the Type D Scale-14, Gastrointestinal Symptoms Severity Index and Short-Form Health Survey 12.

Results: Of 230 patients evaluated, 37% met criteria for Type D personality. Type D was associated with a decreased Mental Component score on the Short-Form Health Survey 12 (mean difference = -8.29; 95% confidence interval, 5.2-11.4; P < .001). On the Gastrointestinal Symptoms Severity Index, severity of symptoms was significantly higher in Type D patients compared with non Type D patients (P < .001).

Conclusions: Type D personality was associated with decreased perceived HRQoL and reporting of more severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Type D personality construct may be an important consideration when assessing HRQoL outcomes. Consideration of personality traits could improve risk stratification in research and clinical practice in this patient group.