Personality traits in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

BACKGROUND: The results of several studies indicate that patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) exhibit certain personality traits. However, it is currently unclear which specific traits are most typical for those patients, and whether these traits are universal across different ethno-cultural backgrounds.

AIM: To analyse the personality traits of patients with ALS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included patients with various forms of ALS according to the Revised El Escorial Criteria. The following data were collected: demographic information, the form of the disease, and the stage according to the King's College system. A short five-factor personality questionnaire (TIPI-RU) was used to assess personal characteristics. The statistical analysis employed non-parametric statistical methods.

RESULTS: Patients with ALS had significantly higher levels of agreebleness (p=0.037). Analysis of personality traits within the group of patients with ALS showed that in patients with bulbar onset, had a significantly higher level of agreebleness — 5 (4.5–7) than in patients with spinal onset 4.5 (4–5), p=0.006. The correlation analysis revealed a direct weak relationship between the degree of extraversion and age (r=0.3; p=0.013).

CONCLUSION: The analysis of the personality traits of the ALS patients showed a higher friendliness (agreeableness) compared to the control group. Future research should elucidate whether this parameter could be considered as one of the markers of increased risk of ALS development.