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Psychological characteristics of patients with reported adverse reactions to foods
Author(s) -
Parker Sharon L.,
Garner David M.,
Leznoff Arthur,
Sussman Gordon L.,
Tarlo Susan M.,
Krondl Magdalena
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
international journal of eating disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.785
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1098-108X
pISSN - 0276-3478
DOI - 10.1002/1098-108x(199107)10:4<433::aid-eat2260100408>3.0.co;2-h
Subject(s) - minnesota multiphasic personality inventory , somatization , psychopathology , psychology , hysteria , locus of control , clinical psychology , psychiatry , psychological testing , emotionality , psychometrics , somatization disorder , anxiety , personality , developmental psychology , social psychology
The objective of the present study was to compare the psychological features of patients with confirmed (n = 22) and unconfirmed (n = 23) adverse food reactions. Patients were clinically evaluated by means of medical history, physical examination, skin testing, and, if necessary, double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenges. Psychological instruments included the MMPI, SCL‐90, Eating Attitudes‐26, Locus of Control, Recent Life Events Questionnaire, and Profile of Moods Test. Patients with confirmed and unconfirmed reactions did not differ in locus of control orientation or in measures of recent life stress. Those with unconfirmed reactions scored higher than did the confirmed group for hypochondriasis and hysteria on the MMPI, and higher for somatization and the Positive Symptom Distress Index on the SCL‐90. More patients with unconfirmed reactions scored at the 90th percentile or higher for one or more factor scores on the EAT‐26. Although there is evidence of psychopathology among the unconfirmed group, it is not clear whether this reflects underlying psychiatric disturbance or adverse reactions to certain foods.