Personality traits in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy

There is evidence of personality disorders in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME). To date, there have been no published quantitative studies on personality traits in JME. The aim of the work described here was to study a group of patients with JME and quantitatively measure personality traits. We evaluated 42 patients (mean age: 26.57 years, SD: 8.38) and 42 controls (mean age: 26.96, SD: 8.48) using a validated personality inventory, the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). We applied two scores, one for the Beck Depression Inventory and one for the State-Trait-Anxiety Inventory, as depression and anxiety may impact the performance of these patients on the TCI. We compared both groups on TCI scales using analysis of covariance with Beck Depression Inventory and State-Trait-Anxiety Inventory scores as covariates. Patients with JME obtained significantly higher scores on Novelty Seeking (P = 0.001) and Harm Avoidance (P = 0.002) and significantly lower scores on Self-Directedness (P = 0.001). Patients with JME have a higher expression of impulsive personality traits that demand early recognition to avoid further consequences and facilitate social insertion, consequently avoiding future stigma.

Research highlights► Patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy exhibit higher expression of impulsive traits, as evaluated with the Temperament and Character Inventory. ► Personality traits associated with impaired impulse control in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy include exploratory behaviors and intolerance for routine, greater impulsivity, acting on momentary instincts and instinctive premonitions, quick temper and disorderly behavior, but not daring behavior.