PSYCHOLOGICAL PROFILE OF PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM CROHNS-DISEASE AND ULCERATIVE-COLITIS

Patients with Crohn's disease (CD, n = 61) and ulcerative colitis (UC, n = 24) were studied using an interview and a series of percept-genet ic tests describing anxiety, defensive strategies, and the self-image. Attention was specifically directed at a subgroup of CD (n = 15) with its inflammation limited to the colon (colon Crohn, CC). There was al so a control group (n = 43). CC had more immature parent relations tha n the other groups. They were more childishly concrete and more alexit hymic. While CC differ from other Crohn patients in many respects, the real cleft opens up with regard to UC, in spite of location of their illness. CC patients obviously have a psychological profile of their o wn.