Use of the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) for assessment of personality in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Background: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterized by severe and prolonged fatigue, along with a set of nonspecific symptoms and signs, such as sore throat, muscle pain, headaches, and difficulties with concentration or memory.
Objective: The study examined whether CFS is associated with specific dimensions of Cloninger's psychobiological model of personality.
Method: Personality profiles were compared between 38 CFS patients and 42 control subjects by means of the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI).
Results: The CFS group showed significantly higher scores on Harm-Avoidance and Persistence.
Conclusion: The current study shows a significant association between specific personality characteristics and CFS. These personality traits may be implicated in the onset and/or perpetuation of CFS and may be a productive focus for psychotherapy.