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TONIC AROUSAL AND ACTIVITY - RELATIONSHIPS TO PERSONALITY AND PERSONALITY-DISORDER TRAITS IN PANIC PATIENTS PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH KING, R. J., BAYON, E. P., Clark, D. B., Taylor, C. B. 1988; 25 (1): 65-72

Abstract

Personality theorists have long predicted a relationship between personality traits and autonomic activation. In this study, 48 patients with panic disorder underwent personality assessment by questionnaire (Eysenck Personality Inventory: 48 patients) and by interview (Personality Disorders Examination: 35 patients). Ambulatory heart rate and activity were measured by the Vitalog method and were used as measures of activation and autonomic arousal. There was a significant positive correlation between histrionic traits and activity level and a significant negative correlation between sociability and heart rate. The findings are consistent with previous studies showing a negative relationship between sensation-seeking personality traits and cerebrospinal fluid levels of norepinephrine and a positive relationship between extroversion and cerebrospinal fluid levels of dopamine.

View details for Web of Science ID A1988P894700008

View details for PubMedID 3217468