PSYCHOLOGICAL PATTERN OF ADOLESCENTS WITH OSTEOARTHROSIS

Abstract

A study of disease-concept types (DCT) using A.E.Lychko’s «Pathocharacter Diagnostic Adolescent’s Inventory» and H. Eisenk’s «Neurotism Inventory» in 106 adolescents at the age of 16–18, with osteo­arthrosis (OA), has been carried. The patients have been divided into research groups on the basis of sex (77 girls, 29 boys) and OA duration (less than a year ― 46, more than a year ― 60). It has been established that the principal clinical sign of OA consisted in the pain in affected joints taking place after a physical activity, in the evening, going downstairs, and in prolonged terms of pathology ― on ordinary activities. A disease-concept in adolescents has been estimated. The most frequent DCT reflected more possibilities of adaptation (ergopathic, anosognostic, harmonic). Character accentuation (CA) versions have been detected. The girls manifested mostly hysteroid, labile and epileptoid CA, while schizoid and epileptoid CA has been more frequent in boys. ⅓ of patients manifested emotional instability.