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  • Title: Familial and psychological risk factors of ulcerative colitis.
    Author: Tocchi A, Lepre L, Liotta G, Mazzoni G, Costa G, Taborra L, Miccini M.
    Journal: Ital J Gastroenterol Hepatol; 1997 Oct; 29(5):395-8. PubMed ID: 9494844.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: The aetiology of ulcerative colitis is still unknown. Several theories have been proposed taking into account psychological influences. AIMS: The present study was undertaken to test the hypothesis of a relationship between certain individual psychological patterns, stress, some familial variables, and ulcerative colitis. PATIENTS: A series of 122 patients with ulcerative colitis and a matched hospital control population were independently studied by a team of physicians and a team of psychologists. METHODS: State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (Form Y) and Sacks' sentence completion tests were submitted to all subjects in both populations. RESULTS: Data showed significantly higher anxiety trait and state in ulcerative colitis patients, whilst 84% of ulcerative colitis patients showed a variety of obsessional traits and an affectivity state characterized by introversion and emotional immaturity. A link was found with regard to relationship with mother, to the condition of single children in the male ulcerative colitis population (41% vs 18% controls), and to last born daughters in the female ulcerative colitis group (47.5% vs 27.9% controls). In addition, a previous stressful life event within the 12-month period prior to the investigation was found in 44.3% of ulcerative colitis patients and in 10.7% of controls. CONCLUSIONS: Psychological disturbances and familial condition are proposed as risk factors, if not actual aetiological variables of ulcerative colitis.
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