Comparison of Yatabe-Guilford personality test results in retinitis pigmentosa and glaucoma patients.

Abstract Purpose: To determine the psychological state and personality traits of patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) or glaucoma so that a closer and better relationship can be developed with the patients. Methods: The Yatabe-Guilford personality test was administered to 75 RP patients and 42 glaucoma patients. The latter group included 29 cases of primary open-angle glaucoma, 6 of primary angle-closure glaucoma, and 7 of normal-tension glaucoma. The patients were being treated at the Department of Ophthalmology, Chiba University Hospital. As controls, 47 age-matched volunteers were tested. Results: A comparison of these three groups showed that the proportions of patients with cyclic tendency, rhathymia, and lack of cooperativeness traits were significantly higher in the RP group than in the glaucoma group. The lack of cooperativeness value was especially higher in the RP than in the glaucoma group and the control group (Fisher exact test, P P Conclusion: RP patients had relatively well-stabilized personalities and were optimistic, while glaucoma patients tended toward nervousness in comparison with RP patients and controls.