Abstract
Objective: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) functionally impairs many patients. Despite numerous studies and reviews in CFS, little is known about the behavioral consequences. Several researchers have already suggested the influential role of personality as a possible predisposing or perpetuating factor.
Method: A case study is presented of a 34-year-old man with a history of CFS. Psychological profiling using the MMPI-2 was performed during the course of his condition.
Results: His passive-aggressive manner during the medical encounter was underscored by his personality profile (code type 3-2). After his recovery, however, a spike 3 profile emerged indicating a fulfilled individual. Somatic items included in the inventory, created a secondary increase of the clinical scales. Physical complaints diminished as his condition improved and subsequently, decreased the clinical scales.
Conclusion: The relevance of classifying personality characteristics in CFS patients as traits could not be supported by this case report.