TYPE A BEHAVIOUR,ANXIETY AND NEUROTICISM: RECONCEPTUALIZING THE PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL PATHS AND BOUNDARIES OF CORONARY-PRONE BEHAVIOUR

The preeminent status of the Type A behaviour pattern (TABP) as an explanatory concept in cardiovascular epidemiology has now been established for three decades, but like all important ideas, it has not been without challenge. Recent epidemiological evidence has failed to support the broad predictive power of the TABP for clinical episodes of coronary disease, and though these studies might themselves be criticized on methodological grounds, they have stirred calls for a reevaluation of the entire construct of the TABP. Type A behaviour has, over its history of 30 or more years, been variously equated with emotional distress and with already identified and preexisting patterns of personality, notably that of neuroticism. This article draws on several sources of data to challenge these attempts to subsume the TABP within the framework of other supposedly more fundamental constructs, and argues instead that the manifest behaviour pattern itself derives from a single underlying cognitive predisposition, that being competitiveness. The article then goes on to argue that manifest Type A behaviours arising from the underlying existence of competitiveness achieve their greatest pathophysiological toxicity if they are frustrated in their expression and realization. Some data are presented to support this view. While these data are tentative, support by further work, whether epidemiological or pathophysiological, would suggest a new and potentially more powerful and specific model for the influence of the TABP on risk or incidence of coronary disease.     

Personality factors in analgesic usage

The relationship between personality factors and analgesic intake was studied in a population of chronic back sufferers. A survey of consecutive patients over a three-month period was undertaken at the Wolfson Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Wimbledon. The personality factors measured were extraversion–introversion and neuroticism (Eysenck Personality Questionnaire) and health locus of control (Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale). A drug diary was kept by each subject to monitor analgesic intake. Subjects tending towards neuroticism or introversion were inclined to take more analgesics, as also were those with a ‘powerful others’ health locus of control (all p ? 0.05). Personality factors should be considered in the pharmacology of chronic pain.     

Type a behaviour pattern of faculty choice among males and females in Singapore

This exploratory study examined the characteristics of Type A behaviour pattern (TABP) among 341 undergraduates of three different faculties of a university in Singapore. It attempted to show if differences in faculty choice of males and females could be attributed to TABP. The findings of the article indicated that the choice of the faculty differs between male and female and that these differences are explained by the hostility trait of the TABP. The sample showed a high proportion of a Type A behaviour pattern. The tendency towards TABP was higher among females than males. It would appear that increased urbanization, such as in Singapore, is a Type A-promoting social contingency.     

Neuroanatomical correlates of extraversion and neuroticism

Introversion/extraversion and neuroticism are 2 important and frequently studied dimensions of human personality. These dimensions describe individual differences in emotional responding across a range of situations and may contribute to a predisposition for psychiatric disorders. Recent neuroimaging research has begun to provide evidence that neuroticism and introversion/extraversion have specific functional and structural neural correlates. Previous studies in healthy adults have reported an association between neuroticism, introversion/extraversion, and the activity of the prefrontal cortex and amygdala. Studies of individuals with psychopathological states have also indicated that anatomic variations in these brain areas may relate to extraversion and neuroticism. The purpose of the present study was to examine selected structural correlates of neuroticism and extraversion in healthy subjects (n = 28) using neuroanatomic measures of the cerebral cortex and amygdala. We observed that the thickness of specific prefrontal cortex regions correlates with measures of extraversion and neuroticism. In contrast, no such correlations were observed for the volume of the amygdala. The results suggest that specific aspects of regional prefrontal anatomy are associated with specific personality traits.     

Self‐reported extremely adverse life events and longitudinal changes in five‐factor model personality traits in an urban sample

This study examined longitudinal personality change in response to extremely adverse life events in a sample (N = 458) drawn from the East Baltimore Epidemiologic Catchment Area study. Five‐factor model personality traits were assessed twice over an average interval of 8 years. Twenty‐five percent of the participants reported an extremely horrifying or frightening event within 2 years before the second personality assessment. Relative to the rest of the sample, they showed increases in neuroticism, decreases in the compliance facet of agreeableness, and decreases in openness to values. Baseline personality was unrelated to future events, but among participants who reported extreme events, lower extraversion and/or conscientiousness at baseline as well as longitudinal increases in neuroticism predicted lower mental health at follow‐up.     

Psychophysiological reactivity,depression, neuroticism and type a behaviour: An interactive effect?

The greater reactivity in Type A subjects is a controversial issue. It is possible that anxiety, neuroticism and depression interact with Type A behaviour pattern, giving rise to different psychophysiological reactivity. To evaluate this hypothesis we studied 70 Italian healthy male volunteers. All were blue-collar workers. Cardiac health was confirmed by a detailed family and medical history. Individual assessment included the Structured Interview, the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Depression Questionnaire (QD). To assess cardiac (rate-pressure product) and electrodermic (skin conductance level) psychophysiological reactivity we used the following tasks: (1) Interactive Concentration Test (ICT); (2) Mental Arithmetic (MAT); (3) Workside Noises (WN). In Type A (A1 + A2) subjects a higher neuroticism score was associated with greater reactivity whereas in non A (X + B) subjects a lower neuroticism score was associated with greater reactivity. Subjects classified as Type A with lower depression scores had greater cardiovascular responses, whereas in non A subjects higher depression scores were associated with greater reactivity.     

Which Risk Factors Are Associated with Pain and Patient-reported Function in Patients with a Rotator Cuff Tear?

BackgroundPatient-reported measures guide physicians in clinical decision making and therefore it is critical to determine what clinical factors are associated with these scores. Psychological and physical factors are commonly studied separately in patients with rotator cuff tears to determine their influence on outcomes. It is well established that psychological distress and scapular motion change in the presence of a symptomatic rotator cuff tear. However, these factors have not been studied simultaneously in a clinical setting to determine their association with shoulder outcome scores.Question/purposeAfter controlling for relevant confounding variables, what physical and psychological factors are associated with better (1) American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores for function, (2) ASES pain scores, and (3) total ASES scores?MethodsFifty-nine patients with a potential symptomatic rotator cuff tear were recruited and agreed to participate in this cross-sectional study. Of those, 85% (50 of 59) met eligibility criteria for a primary diagnosis of an MRI-confirmed symptomatic partial-thickness or full-thickness rotator cuff tear without a history of shoulder surgery. Demographics, rotator cuff tear size, arm flexion, and clinical scapular motion during active arm flexion were evaluated by experienced examiners using standardized procedures. Patients completed the ASES questionnaire and the Optimal Screening for Prediction of Referral and Outcomes-Yellow Flag assessment form, which measures 11 different pain-related psychological distress symptoms. Three separate stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were performed for ASES pain, function, and total scores, with significance set at p < 0.05.ResultsThis model found that ASES function scores were associated with four factors: older age, increased arm flexion, increased percentage of scapular external rotation during arm flexion, and increased scores for acceptance of chronic pain (adjusted r² = 0.67; p = 0.01). Those four factors appear to explain 67% of the observed variance in ASES function scores in patients with rotator cuff tears. Furthermore, increased percentage of scapular external rotation during arm flexion and decreased fear-avoidance beliefs related to physical activity scores (adjusted r² = 0.36; p < 0.01) were associated with better ASES pain scores. And finally, better ASES total scores were associated with four factors: increased arm flexion, increased percentage of scapular upward rotation, increased scapular external rotation during arm flexion, and decreased fear-avoidance beliefs related to physical activity scores (adjusted r² = 0.65; p < 0.001).ConclusionOur results favor adopting a comprehensive biopsychological clinical assessment for patients with rotator cuff tears that specifically includes humeral and scapular motion, fear-avoidance behaviors, and pain coping behaviors along with demographics. These particular physical and psychological variables were found to be associated with the ASES and, therefore, should be clinically examined simultaneously and targeted as part of a tailored treatment plan.Level of EvidenceLevel II, prognostic study.     

The surgical personality: comparisons between urologists, non-urologists and non-surgeons

Background:

Our objective was to compare personality traits between urologists and other surgeons, as well as between surgeons and non-surgeons.

Methods:

Eighty-six surgeons (57 faculty, 29 residents) completed the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO PI-R), a validated measure of normal personality traits. Subjects agree or disagree with 240 statements to generate a score in each of the 5 major character traits: extraversion (E), openness (O), conscientiousness (C), agreeableness (A) and neuroticism (N). Each factor is subdivided into 6 component facets. Scores for urology faculty and residents were compared to the other surgical groups and 21 pediatricians.

Results:

The 3 groups differed significantly on extraversion (p < 0.001). Post-hoc analyses indicated that urologists obtained significantly higher extraversion scores than other surgeons (p < 0.05) and non-surgeons (p < 0.001) Other surgeons also scored significantly higher than non-surgeons on the extraversion factor (p < 0.05). No significant differences emerged on openness, conscientiousness, agreeableness or neuroticism. Of the 6 extraversion facets, urologists obtained significantly higher scores on gregariousness and excitement-seeking (p < 0.05) than non-urologist surgeons, and significantly higher scores on gregariousness (p < 0.05), activity (p < 0.01), excitement seeking (p < 0.001), and positive emotions (p < 0.05) than non-surgeons. Non-urologist surgeons obtained significantly higher scores than non-surgeons on Activity and Excitement-seeking (p < 0.01).There were no significant differences in the facets of warmth or assertiveness.

Interpretation:

Urologists appear to be more extraverted compared to other surgeons. Both groups of surgeons were more extraverted than non-surgeons. If these findings can be confirmed on a wider basis, the data may be helpful in resident selection, mentoring, evaluation and career counselling.     

The influence of neuroticism, extraversion and openness on stress responses

The present research moved beyond focusing on negative dispositions to investigate the influence of positive aspects of personality, namely extraversion and openness, on stress responses including appraisals, affect and task performance. Challenge appraisals occur when stressor demands are deemed commensurate with coping resources, whereas threat appraisals occur when demands are believed to outweigh coping resources. We examined the unique influence of personality on stress responses and the mediating role of appraisals. Personality was assessed, and then participants (N = 152) were exposed to a validated math stressor. We found unique effects on stress responses for neuroticism (high threat and negative affect and low positive affect), extraversion (high positive and low negative affect) and openness (high positive and low negative effect and better performance). Mediation analyses revealed that neuroticism indirectly worsened performance, through threat appraisals, and that openness indirectly increased positive affect through lower threat. These findings highlight the importance of investigating multiple aspects of personality on stress responses and provide an avenue through which stress responses can be changed—appraisals. Only by more broad investigations can interventions be tailored appropriately for different individuals to foster stress resilience. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Perceptual and cognitive deficit following coronary artery bypass surgery

Fifty-seven patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery were investigated pre- and postoperatively for changes in cognitive and perceptual functioning (delirium). Physical data were collected and personality and psychiatric assessments made using standard inventories. Manifestations of delirium were maximal by day 4 and had largely resolved by day 10. Cognitive deficit was significantly associated with a high score on ‘neuroticism’ and perceptual aberration, with increasing age and high scores on ‘dominant personality’ and ‘extraversion’. It is argued that postoperative delirium is multidetermined, being an interaction of physical, operative and psychological factors.     

Validation of the Fear of Sleep Inventory (FOSI) in an Urban Young Adult African American Sample

The Fear of Sleep Inventory (FOSI) was developed to identify factors that contribute to sleep disturbances in individuals exposed to trauma. This investigation examined the psychometric properties of the FOSI in a sample of African American young adults residing in urban areas. A 5‐factor structure was derived from an exploratory factor analysis and then verified by confirmatory factor analysis. FOSI factors were positively correlated with the severity of PTSD (rs = .30 to .58, all ps < .001) and insomnia symptoms (rs = .36 to .64, all ps < .001). Individuals with probable PTSD or insomnia had higher scores on the total FOSI and each of the factors compared to those without probable PTSD (all ps < .001; effect sizes: r = .32 to .62) or insomnia (all ps < .001; effect sizes: r = .42 to .70). These data expand the evidence that the FOSI identifies factors contributing to sleep disturbances in trauma‐exposed individuals.     

Somatic,psychological, and sexual triggers for overactive bladder syndrome in women

Aims

Patients with overactive bladder (OAB) often describe somatic, psychological, and sexual triggers for their symptoms. The aim of this study was to characterize these triggers and assess their impact on patients’ symptoms and quality of life (QoL).

Methods

Patients who visited our urogynecologic clinic between August 2015 and March 2016 and diagnosed with OAB syndrome were asked to fill a questionnaire comprising 34 statements regarding SOmatic, Psychological, and Sexual Triggers for OAB (SOPSETO). Patients additionaly completed the UDI‐6 and IIQ‐7 questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the prevalence of each trigger and its correlation with the UDI‐6 and IIQ‐7 scores.

Results

Sixty four women enrolled in this study. The SOPSETO questionnaire was found to be relaiable with Cronbach's alpha of 0.73‐0.88. Construct validity was high with good correlation between the SOPSETO and the UDI‐6 and IIQ‐7 questionnaires. The triggers which had the highest correlation with the total UDI‐6 scores were: Being far from toilets (r = 0.32, P = 0.004), swimming (r = 0.44, P = 0.02), taking a shower/bath (r = 0.36, P = 0.004), touching water (r = 0.35, P = 0.004), stepping out of a car (r = 0.32, P = 0.014), and experiencing an orgasm (r = 0.59, P = 0.001). The triggers: Experiencing an orgasm (r = 0.4, P = 0.033), having intercourse (r = 0.53, P = 0.002), stepping out of a car (r = 0.45, P = 0.001), and touching water (r = 0.28, P = 0.03) most significantly correlated with the total IIQ‐7 scores.

Conclusions

Certain somatic, psychological, and sexual factors may trigger OAB symptoms and are therefore potential targets for behavioral therapy of this disorder, and for further research regarding its pathophysiological mechanisms.     

住院患者心理应激反应及影响因素关系的模型构建

目的建立住院患者心理应激反应及其影响因素关系的结构方程模型,对住院患者的应激过程进行全面整体的研究。方法采取分层、随机、整群抽样方法,使用相应问卷调查782例住院患者的应激源、应对方式、自我效能、社会支持、人格和心理应激反应。结果直接关系的检验进入回归方程的变量为：医院应激（β=0．357）、社会支持（β=-0．109）、病程（β=0．106）、经济状况（β=-0．120）、自我效能（r=-0．315）、神经质（β=0．388）、内外向（β=-0．153）、回避（β=0．095）、屈服（β=0．370）,均P〈0．01。医院应激与回避、屈服、神经质3个中介因素存在显著性相关（r=0．125、0．140、0．223,均P〈0．01）,自我效能与回避、屈服、社会支持、神经质、内外向5个中介因素存在显著性相关（r=0．113、-0．102、0．189、-0．192、0．196,均P〈0．01）。自我效能对各原因变量（神经质、内外向、屈服、社会支持）的口值下降,但仍然显著。由此建立的应激结构方程模型拟合较好,进入结构方程模型的中介变量为：医院应激、社会支持、病程、经济、自我效能、神经质、内外向、回避。自我效能是一个重要的中介变量;医院应激可直接和间接作用于心理反应。结论可以通过加强正面影响因素如自我效能,削弱负面影响因素如神经质、消极应对方式等措施,降低或缓冲患者心理应激强度,提高患者心理健康水平。     

Visual working memory influences the performance in virtual image–guided surgical intervention

Background This study addresses for the first time the relationship between working memory and performance measures in image-guided instrument navigation with Minimally Invasive Surgical Trainer-Virtual Reality (MIST-VR) and GI Mentor II (a simulator for gastroendoscopy). In light of recent research on simulator training, it is now prime time to ask why in a search for mechanisms rather than show repeatedly that conventional curriculum for simulation training has effect. Methods The participants in this study were 28 Swedish medical students taking their course in basic surgery. Visual and verbal working memory span scores were assessed by a validated computer program (RoboMemo) and correlated with visual–spatial ability (MRT-A test), total flow experience (flow scale), mental strain (Borg scale), and performance scores in manipulation and diathermy (MD) using Procedicus MIST-VR and GI Mentor 11 (exercises 1 and 3). Results Significant Pearson’s r correlations were obtained between visual working memory span scores for visual data link (a RoboMemo exercise) and movement economy (r = −0.417; p < 0.05), total time (r = −0.495; p < 0.01), and total score (r = −0.390; p < 0.05) using MIST-MD, as well as total time (r = −0.493; p < 0.05) and efficiency of screening (r = 0.469; p < 0.05) using GI Mentor 11 (exercise 1). Correlations also were found between visual working memory span scores in rotating data link (another RoboMemo exercise) and both total time (r = −0.467; p < 0.05) and efficiency of screening (r = −0.436; p < 0.05) using GI Mentor 11 (exercise 3). Significant Pearson’s r correlations also were found between visual–spatial ability scores and several performance scores for the MIST and GI Mentor II exercises. Conclusions Findings for the first time demonstrate that visual working memory for surgical novices may be important for performance in virtual simulator training with two well-known and validated simulators.     

Relation Between Depression,Some Laboratory Parameters,and Quality of Life in Hemodialysis Patients

Depression is common in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Several investigators have estimated that depression occurs in about 20% to 30% of dialysis patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between depression, some laboratory parameters, and quality of life (QOL) in hemodialysis patients. Forty-three hemodialysis patients (mean age 40.5 ± 15.2; M = 28, F = 15) were included in the study. Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), and short form with 36 (SF-36) were used for evaluation. Subsequently, patients were divided into two groups according to HAMD scores: group 1, those who had a low HAMD score (between 0 and 7), and group 2, those who had a high HAMD score (over 7). The two groups were compared in terms of anxiety scores, QOL scores, and some laboratory parameters. The group 2 patients (n = 21; M = 13, F = 8) had lower levels of hemoglobin than the group 1 patients (9.5 ± 1.7 vs. 10.7 ± 1.4 g/dL, respectively; p< 0.01). Group 2 patients also had lower SF-36 scores than group 1 patients (91.5 ± 21.3 vs. 74.9 ± 13.6, respectively; p = 0.03). On the contrary, the patients of group 2 had higher HAMA scores than group 1 patients (16.6 ± 6.9 vs. 6.3 ± 3.5, respectively; p< 0.01) and CRP level (10.7 ± 4.6 vs. 4.5 ± 3.8, respectively; p< 0.001). A significant correlation was found between depression scores and C-reactive protein (CRP) (r = 0.57, p< 0.001) and HAMA scores (r = ? 0.43, p< 0.05). In contrast, a negative correlation was found between HAMD scores and albumin (r = ? 0.43, p< 0.05), hemoglobin (r = ? 0.38, p =0.015) and SF-36 scores (r = 0.39, p = 0.032). These findings demonstrate that there is a relationship among high depression score, low levels of hemoglobin and albumin, high CRP level, low SF-36 score, and high anxiety score. Evaluation of psychiatric status should be part of the care provided to hemodialysis patients.     

Reduced baroreflex sensitivity is associated with increased vascular calcification and arterial stiffness.

INTRODUCTION: Vascular calcification is a critical determinant of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in chronic haemodialysis (HD) patients. The pathophysiology underlying this observation remains obscure. Baroreceptor sensitivity (BRS) is important in the maintenance of an appropriate cardiovascular status both at rest and under the physiological stress of HD. BRS is determined by both the mechanical properties of the vascular wall, mediating the transfer of transmural pressure, and afferent and efferent autonomic function. We aimed to study the association between arterial structure, function and BRS in chronic HD patients. METHODS: We studied 40 chronic HD patients mean age 62+/-2 (26-86) years who had received HD for a mean 40+/-4 (9-101) months. Spontaneous BRS was assessed using software studying the relationship between inter-beat variability and beat to beat changes in systolic blood pressure. Functional characteristics of conduit arteries (pulse wave analysis) were studied with applanation tonometry at the radial artery. Arterial calcification was assessed in lower limbs using reconstructed multi-slice computed tomography and quantified with volume-corrected calcification scores within the superficial femoral artery. RESULTS: Mean BRS was 4.43+/-0.44 ms/mmHg, with a wide range from 1.0 to 11.5 ms/mmHg. This correlated with arterial stiffness as measured by time to shoulder calculated from the central pulse wave analysis (r = 0.4, P = 0.01). BRS was also associated with vascular calcification (P = 0.01) but not by other factors such as dialysis vintage, age or pre-dialysis systolic/diastolic blood pressure. CONCLUSION: The reduction in BRS and the resulting aberrant blood pressure response to the physiological stress and volume changes of HD may be important in the further understanding of the pathophysiology of the increased mortality in HD patients with vascular calcification.     

Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in Breast Cancer Patients: Temporal Evolution,Predictors, and Mediation

This study (N = 102 women) evaluated the time course of posttraumatic stress symptomatology (PTSS) at different stages of nonmetastastic cancer diagnosis and treatment: during treatment, at the end of treatment, and at a 6–12 months follow‐up. We also assessed the contribution of demographic, trait, and state predictors to PTSS, and coping processes as proximal mediators of the relation between Type C personality and PTSS. Results indicated that PTSS remained constant across all phases. There were significant correlations (range = .28 to .81) between PTSS and psychosocial variables and age, but not with other sociodemographic or medical factors. A linear growth curve model showed that hopelessness/helplessness (B = 1.45) and Type C personality (B = 1.40) were the best predictors of PTSD symptomatology, followed by trait dissociation (B = 0.55), and the coping strategies of anxious preoccupation (B = 1.20), cognitive avoidance (B = 0.91), and symptoms of acute stress disorder (B = 0.19). A mediation model showed that the coping strategies of anxious preoccupation, cognitive avoidance, and helplessness/hopelessness mediated the relationship between Type C personality and PTSS during treatment, posttreatment, and follow‐up. These results clarify the contribution of different predictors of PTSS and can help develop prevention programs.     

Social Information Processing in Anger Expression and Partner Violence in Returning U.S. Veterans

We examined social information processing factors that could represent pathways through which posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms relate to anger expression and intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration in returning U.S. veterans. The sample included 92 male Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans, primarily Caucasian (77.4%), with smaller numbers of African American, Asian, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaskan Native, and other minority participants (9.7%, 2.2%, 2.2%, 3.2%, and 5.3% respectively). The average age was 40.37 (SD = 9.63) years. Data were collected through self‐report questionnaires (PTSD Checklist, State‐Trait Anger Expression Scale, Revised Conflict Tactics Scales) and the Articulated Thoughts in Simulated Situations experimental protocol. Laboratory‐based assessment of cognitive biases and hostile attributions were tested as mediators of associations between PTSD symptoms and anger expression and IPV. Among the PTSD symptom clusters, hyperarousal symptoms were most strongly associated with anger expression (r = .50) and IPV perpetration (r = .27). Cognitive biases mediated associations between PTSD total scores and 3 of 4 PTSD cluster scores as well as anger expression. Hostile attribution biases were also associated with IPV perpetration (r = .23). We discuss the implications of these findings for understanding social information processing mechanisms for the relationship between PTSD symptoms and aggression.