OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare psychological test profiles of psychiatric outpatients with high and low depression/suicide ideation and to identify predictor variables for depression/suicide ideation. METHODS: Component scores of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) and Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) were compared using t-tests. Discriminant analysis was conducted for predictor variables of depression/suicide ideation. RESULTS: Regarding PAI profiles, somatic complaints (SOM), anxiety (ANX), anxiety-related disorder (ARD), depression (DEP), paranoia (PAR), borderline features (BOR), antisocial features (ANT), mania (MAN) drug problems (DRG) scores were significantly elevated in high depression and high suicide ideation groups. Concerning MMPI-2 profiles, the scores of hypochondriasis (Hs), depression (D), hysteria (Hy), psychopathic deviate (Pd), paranoia (Pa), psychasthenia (Pt), schizophrenia (Sc), social introversion (Si) were significantly elevated in these same groups. The PAI and MMPI-2 profile shapes were remarkably similar between high depression and high suicide ideation groups. Therefore, in terms of psychological profile, depression and suicidal ideation seemed to reflect the same construct. However, in discriminant analysis, significant predictors for depression were found to be Pt and D Sc from MMPI-2, while those for suicide ideation were found to be Pa and Sc, suggest subtle differences. CONCLUSION: The superficial characteristics of depression and suicide ideation groups reflected by the psychological test profiles seemed similar, but the determining factors may differ. Thus, the psychological interventions for these two groups may have to follow different routes considering these subtle differences.
Anxiety ; Bipolar Disorder ; Depression ; Discriminant Analysis ; Humans ; Hypochondriasis ; Hysteria ; Introversion (Psychology) ; Minnesota ; Outpatients ; Paranoid Disorders ; Personality Assessment ; Psychological Tests ; Schizophrenia ; Suicidal Ideation ; Suicide

OBJECTIVE: Health anxiety can be defined by concern about health in the absence of a pathology. The Health Anxiety Questionnaire (HAQ) based on the cognitive-behavioral model can be useful for evaluating the severity and the structure of health anxiety. This study aims to verify the reliability and validity of Korean version of HAQ (K-HAQ). METHODS: For reliability, test-retest reliability and internal consistency were analyzed. For construct validity, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to identify the optimal cut-off score. RESULTS: Cronbach’s alpha was 0.92, and r value of test-retest reliability was 0.84. In the EFA, 4- and 5-factor model showed cumulative percentile of variance of 60% or more. In the CFA, the 4-factor model was found to be the most appropriate and simplest (χ²=397.33, df=187, CFI=0.909, TLI=0.888, RMSEA=0.077). In the ROC analysis, the cut-off score was 20 points. CONCLUSION: It is expected that K-HAQ can be helpful to evaluate the severity of health anxiety and make therapeutic plans because K-HAQ can help explore the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral structure of health anxiety by each factor.
Anxiety* ; Hypochondriasis ; Pathology ; Reproducibility of Results* ; ROC Curve

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the personality characteristics in parricide offenders, by using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) test, which is commonly used in clinical medicine. METHODS: A total of 73 parricide offenders with schizophrenia who were admitted to National Forensic Hospital in Gongju city between September 2014 and February 2015, and 104 comparison schizophrenia patients who had been admitted to Dankook University Hospital in Cheonan city the same hospital, completed the Korean version of the MMPI. RESULTS: The parricide offender group showed significantly higher on L, F, Hs, Hy and Pd than the comparison group. The result of the regression analysis indicated that Pd and Si significantly increased the odd ratio of the sexual offender group by 2.77 times and 0.32 times, respectively (p=0.029 and p=0.023). The offenders of parricide may have developed the following characteristics: hypochondriasis, hysteria and psychopathic deviate. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that the psychopatholgy in the offenders of parricide might be different, compared to the control group.
Chungcheongnam-do ; Clinical Medicine ; Criminals* ; Humans ; Hypochondriasis ; Hysteria ; Korea* ; Minnesota* ; MMPI* ; Psychopathology ; Schizophrenia*

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A cardiologist's evaluation of psychiatric symptoms in patients with chest pain is rare. This study aimed to determine the psychiatric characteristics of patients with and without coronary artery disease (CAD) and explore their relationship with the intensity of chest pain. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Out of 139 consecutive patients referred to the cardiology outpatient department, 31 with atypical chest pain (heartburn, acid regurgitation, dyspnea, and palpitation) were excluded and 108 were enrolled for the present study. The enrolled patients underwent complete numerical rating scale of chest pain and the symptom checklist for minor psychiatric disorders at the time of first outpatient visit. The non-CAD group consisted of patients with a normal stress test, coronary computed tomography angiogram, or coronary angiogram, and the CAD group included those with an abnormal coronary angiogram. RESULTS: Nineteen patients (17.6%) were diagnosed with CAD. No differences in the psychiatric characteristics were observed between the groups. "Feeling tense", "self-reproach", and "trouble falling asleep" were more frequently observed in the non-CAD (p=0.007; p=0.046; p=0.044) group. In a multiple linear regression analysis with a stepwise selection, somatization without chest pain in the non-CAD group and hypochondriasis in the CAD group were linearly associated with the intensity of chest pain (β=0.108, R2=0.092, p=0.004; β= -0.525, R2=0.290, p=0.010). CONCLUSION: No differences in psychiatric characteristics were observed between the groups. The intensity of chest pain was linearly associated with somatization without chest pain in the non-CAD group and inversely linearly associated with hypochondriasis in the CAD group.
Cardiology ; Checklist ; Chest Pain* ; Coronary Artery Disease ; Coronary Disease ; Dyspnea ; Exercise Test ; Humans ; Hypochondriasis ; Linear Models ; Outpatients* ; Psychology ; Thorax*

BACKGROUND: Psychogenic non epileptic seizures (PNES) are characterized by repeated seizures that are typically caused by stress and psychologic problems such as anxiety and depression. This contrasts with epileptic seizures (ES), which are transient and caused by irregular excitement of nerve cells. PNES can be found in patients with ES, but due to their differing etiologies, it is important to determine the psychologic characteristics that differentiate PNES from ES. METHODS: This study identified psychopathologic and personality traits in 137 patients with PNES (n=7, 49.3% female) or ES (n=0, 35.7% female) using MMPI. The diagnosis was based on a medical history of seizures and the clinical examination in patients who visited the epilepsy clinic. Statistical analyses for comparing MMPI differences between the two groups were conducted using the t-test, chi-square test, and analysis of covariance. RESULTS: We analyzed the frequency of individuals who exhibited a T score of ≥5 on the MMPI, and the results indicated that there were significantly more patients in the PNES group than in the ES group who had elevated scores on the hypochondriasis (Hs) scale and hysteria (Hy) scale. The mean scores of Hs, Hy, paranoia scale and schizophrenia scale were significantly higher in the PNES group than in the ES group. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that patients with PNES have greater psychologic problems than ES patients. Differences in MMPI profile patterns between patients with PNES and ES may be helpful in tailoring appropriate therapeutic interventions for the two groups.
Anxiety ; Depression ; Diagnosis ; Epilepsy* ; Humans ; Hypochondriasis ; Hysteria ; MMPI* ; Neurons ; Paranoid Disorders ; Schizophrenia ; Seizures*

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have reported that symptoms of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) are different according to age groups, and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) is the most widely used measure to evaluate the symptoms of MDD. However, few previous studies have compared the symptoms of HDRS between the elderly and non-elderly groups. METHODS: The study population consisted of 574 subjects with MDD who were > or =18 years old, evaluated using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview and 17 items of HDRS. Differences between two groups were analyzed using independent t-test. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to evaluate associations between age and 17 items from HDRS after controlling for gender, years of education, marital status, and employment status. RESULTS: Among 574 patients with MDD, there were 80 elderly patients (age> or =65) and 494 non-elderly patients (age between 18 and 64). Elderly patients had higher scores on item 5 (middle insomnia) (t=-2.271, p=0.024) and item 6 (late insomnia) (t=-2.280, p=0.023), whereas they had lower scores on item 1 (depressed mood) (t=2.860, p=0.004), item 3 (suicide) (t=2.258, p=0.024), and item 9 (agitation) (t=2.031, p=0.043), although no significant difference in the total HDRS scores was observed between elderly and non-elderly. Multivariate logistic regression showed significant association of elderly with hypochondriasis [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.894, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-3.56] and agitation (AOR=0.50, 95% CI 0.29-0.87). CONCLUSION: Elderly MDD patients showed more insomnia and hypochondriasis and less depressed mood, suicidal ideation, and agitation than non-elderly.
Aged* ; Depression* ; Depressive Disorder, Major* ; Dihydroergotamine ; Education ; Employment ; Humans ; Hypochondriasis ; Logistic Models ; Marital Status ; Odds Ratio ; Outpatients* ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders ; Suicidal Ideation

OBJECTIVES: Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and insomnia are two of the most common sleep disorders in the general population. Because OSAHS patients with insomnia may have difficulty in adapting to the sleep breathing medical equipment, it is necessary to pay special attention to the diagnosis and treatment of comorbid insomnia. This study is to investigate the emotion and personality in OSAHS patients with insomnia complaints by using Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2). METHODS: We reviewed the results of the standardized questionnaires assessing sleep-related variables, MMPI, and polysomnographic findings of the patients diagnosed as OSAHS. RESULTS: 145 subjects were 49.05+/-11.83 years of age. The mean Respiratory Disturbance Index was 33.57+/-19.91 and the mean score of Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) was 11.52+/-6.49. The mean scores of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and MMPI-2 were within normal ranges. We divided the patients into two groups based on the scores of the ISI, OSAHS with insomnia (n=109) and OSAHS without insomnia (n=36). OSAHS patients with insomnia symptoms had significantly higher scores of hypochondriasis, hysteria, psychasthenia, schizophrenia, paranoia and psychopathic deviate scales and BDI than those without insomnia. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that insomnia complaints are very common in OSAHS patients and the psychological problems are more frequently found in OSAHS patients with insomnia symptom than those without it.
Depression ; Diagnosis ; Humans ; Hypochondriasis ; Hysteria ; Minnesota* ; MMPI* ; Paranoid Disorders ; Polysomnography ; Reference Values ; Respiration ; Schizophrenia ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive* ; Sleep Wake Disorders ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders* ; Weights and Measures

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the cognition and emotional response of the public in Zhejiang province during the epidemic of human H7N9 avian influenza and provide scientific support for group psychological intervention under public health emergency.

METHODS57 communities in 19 counties from Hangzhou, Jiaxing and Lishui district of Zhejiang province were selected as survey sites using stratified clustered sampling method from March, 2013 to April, 2014. 2 319 ordinary civilians were chosen using convenience sampling method and 390 individuals who had close contact history with H7N9 avian influenza patients, 109 family members of patients and 281 medical workers, were selected using census method. The inclusion criteria for subjects were: subjects aged over 10 years; could complete the questionnaire independently or with the help of the investigators. A total of 2 709 subjects were surveyed by avian influenza risk perception and response questionnaire, negative emotion questionnaire was also used to see their cognition and negative emotion related to the disease. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the interrelationship between public risk perception, response and negative emotions.

RESULTS95.10% (2 576)of the subjects have sensed the risk of epidemic and 91.00% (2 465) of the subjects have taken preventive measures in 2 709 subjects. The positive rate for depression, neurasthenia, fear, anxiety and hypochondriasis were 36.40% (986) , 37.21% (1 008) , 79.70% (2 159) , 33.41% (905) , 27.69% (750) respectively (χ(2)=1 935.89, P<0.001) ;the P(50)(P(25)-P(75)) of the depression scores of patients' family members, medical workers and the general public were 0.50 (0.00-0.83), 0.17 (0.00-0.67), 0.17 (0.00-0.50) (H= 7.27, P=0.03) ; the neurasthenia scores were 0.20 (0.00-0.60), 0.2 (0.00-0.40), 0.00 (0.00-0.20) (H= 64.74, P<0.001) ; fear scores were 0.83 (0.33-1.17), 0.33 (0.17-0.67), 0.33 (0.17-0.83) (H=30.03, P< 0.001) ; anxiety scores were 0.17(0.00-0.50), 0.00(0.00-0.33), 0.00(0.00-0.17) (H=51.82, P<0.001). The neurasthenia, fear, anxiety scores (P(50)(P(25)-P(75))) for females among the public were 0.00(0.00-0.20), 0.50(0.17-0.83), 0.00(0.00-0.17), which were higher than those of male's (0.00(0.00-0.20), 0.33(0.00-0.67), 0.00(0.00-0.17)) (χ(2) values were 5.26, 27.52, 8.29, P<0.05); Among medical staff, the depression, neurasthenia, fear, anxiety and hypochondriasis scores for females were 0.33(0.00-0.67), 0.20(0.00-0.40), 0.50(0.17-0.83), 0.00(0.00-0.33), 0.00(0.00-0.50) respectively, which were higher than those of males'(0.00(0.00-0.50), 0.00(0.00-0.40), 0.33(0.17-0.50), 0.00(0.00-0.17), 0.00(0.00-0.00))(χ(2) values were 7.22, 7.97, 14.46, 4.93, 5.22, P<0.05); for the family members of the patients who were in poor mental conditions when doing self-assessment, their depression and neurasthenia scores were 0.50(0.08-0.96), 0.30(0.00-0.55), which were higher than those of people in good mental conditions (0.17(0.00-0.83), 0.20(0.00-0.60)) (χ(2) values were 12.95, 11.20, P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that the subjects' risk perception level was positively correlated with depression, neurasthenia, fear, and hypochondriasis, with the correlation coefficients 0.07, 0.07, 0.08, 0.04, respectively (P<0.05) ; the subjects' risk response level was also positively related with depression, neurasthenia, fear, anxiety and hypochondriasis, and the correlation coefficients were 0.09, 0.09, 0.12, 0.05, 0.04, respectively (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe general public was highly concerned about the epidemic of H7N9 avian influenza and developed certain levels of negative emotions. The female, equal or over 60 years old, those with poor educational level, agricultural related occupation and poor physical and psychology health were risk factors of disease related negative emotions. The subject's risk perception and response level was positively related with depression, neurasthenia, fear and hypochondriasis.

Anxiety ; China ; Depression ; Epidemics ; Family ; Fear ; Female ; Humans ; Hypochondriasis ; Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype ; Influenza, Human ; psychology ; Male ; Neurasthenia ; Occupations ; Risk Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to clarify anxiety symptoms associated with the pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) treatment and to determine which factors are associated with these anxiety symptoms. METHODS: The subjects were 30 patients with hepatitis B and C viral infections who were waiting to receive PEG-IFN treatment. For assessment of depressive and anxiety symptoms, the Beck Depression Inventory and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were used. Patients were examined before treatment and then prospectively during the 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 1 years of therapy. We analyzed the changes in anxiety and depression symptoms, and applied multiple regression analysis to identify factors that significantly affect the anxiety symptoms. RESULTS: Compared to pre-treatment baseline, anxiety symptoms increased 2 weeks after treatment, and gradually decreased 4 weeks, and 1 year after treatment. And, we analyzed the sub-factors of depressive symptoms that affect the anxiety symptoms. After 2 weeks of treatment, cognitive-affective factors and hypochondriasis factors of depressive symptoms had an effect on anxiety symptoms. Furthermore after 4 weeks of treatment, the cognitive-affective factors had an effect on anxiety symptoms. CONCLUSION: In this study, we found a significant increase in anxiety symptoms after PEG-IFN treatment, and cognitive-affective depressive factors significantly affect anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety* ; Depression ; Hepatitis B ; Hepatitis C ; Hepatitis* ; Humans ; Hypochondriasis ; Interferons* ; Prospective Studies

OBJECTIVE: Differential diagnosis between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and adjustment disorder (AD) is rather difficult, but very important to the assignment of appropriate treatment and prognosis. This study investigated methods to differentiate PTSD and AD. METHODS: Twenty-five people with PTSD and 24 people with AD were recruited. Memory tests, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 2 (MMPI-2), and Beck's Depression Inventory were administered. RESULTS: There were significant decreases in immediate verbal recall and delayed verbal recognition in the participants with PTSD. The reduced memory functions of participants with PTSD were significantly influenced by depressive symptoms. Hypochondriasis, hysteria, psychopathic deviate, paranoia, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder scale of MMPI-2 classified significantly PTSD and AD group. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that verbal memory assessments and the MMPI-2 could be useful for discriminating between PTSD and AD.
Accidents, Traffic* ; Adjustment Disorders* ; Depression ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Hypochondriasis ; Hysteria ; Memory Disorders ; Memory* ; MMPI ; Paranoid Disorders ; Prognosis ; Schizophrenia ; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic*