[The significance of selected psychopathological and personality variables in the course of allergic and non-allergic asthma].

AIM The aim of this study was to carry out a comparative analysis of selected psychopathological and personality variables in patients with allergic and non-allergic asthma, as well as an attempt to determine the significance and strength of these variables in the clinical picture of both forms of the disease. METHODS In all patients structured anamnesis, basic spirometry, and dyspnea measure- ment were carried out. The level of anxiety was determined using Spielberger's questionnaire. The intensity of depression was evaluated with Beck's Inventory. Neuroticism and extroversion-introversion were assessed by Eysenck's Inventory. The I-E scale was used to determine the perception of the locus of control. RESULTS The lack of significant differences in the area ofpsychopathological and personality variables was found between the two types of asthma. The gender differentiated patients with respect to psychopathology. The intensity of extroversion correlated with the duration of the disease. In the case of neuroticism, the clinical form of the disease was associated with blurring the differences between genders. The intensity of dyspnea and the spirometric results correlated with the psychological background of the disease. CONCLUSIONS No significant differences in the area of psychopathology and personality dimensions between the groups of patients with allergic and non-allergic asthma were found although psychological variables are associated with the course of asthma in adults.