Psychological and Personality Disturbance Among Patients with Testicular Cancer

Abstract

Previous research suggested that severe psychopathology may be more prevalent among patients with testicular cancer than among comparison groups. To test this finding, the authors asked 59 men with cancer of the testis to complete an objective, standardized measure of personality and psychopathology-the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI). The results of the study did not support the hypothesis that psychopathology is more prevalent among patients with testicular cancer. Of the 59 men, 29 showed no nonpsychotic symptoms, 19 showed mild-to-moderate nonpsychotic symptoms, and ll showed moderate-to-severe nonpsychotic symptoms. The most prevalent symptoms were anxiety and somatic concern, followed by depression, substance abuse, and hypomania. The type of symptoms reported seemed to be associated with a subject's basic personality structure, as assessed by the MCMI.