Psychic structure and life events in chronic prostatitis: A controlled study

Abstract

Fifty patients with chronic prostatitis were studied both somatically and with psychiatric interview, psychologic projective tests, and mapping of 68 significant life events occurring during the past 4 years. The control group consisted of age- and sex-matched patients with acute appendicitis. They were studied with the same psychologic tests and questioned about the same life events. Patients with chronic prostatitis proved to be more disordered psychically than the controls (t test, P = 0.016). The patients with chronic prostatitis had experienced more significant life events during the 4-year period mapped than the controls had (57.2% of all). It seems likely that the onset, course, and recurrence of this disease are influenced by psychic factors. Treatment should therefore also include individually adequate sychotherapy.

Key Words:

• Chronic prostatitis
• Coping
• Life events
• Psychic structure