Personlighet och Alexitymi hos unga kvinnor med samlagssmärta – en pilotstudie

Abstract: Aim. To investigate personality, alexithymia and personal relations in a cohort of seven women with superficial dyspareunia based on either LPV (localized provoced vestibulodynia) or painful vaginism. The purpose was to find background personality variables to address later in psychotherapy. Methods. Personality measurements were performed using Cloninger`s Temperament and Character Inventory – revised (TCI-R). Alexithymia was assessed by using the Swedish version of Toronto Alexithymia Scale – TAS-20. A semi-structured scale that focused on sexual problems and relations was constructed by the author. Results. Most women showed a personality profile with specific temperament and character traits. They can be described as cautious, careful, insecure, orderly, pessimistic, reflective, reserved, slow-tempered, solitary, stoical, systematic, and can be categorised as rigid, scrupulous and/or passive-dependent and they are close to fall out as alienated, obsessional and passive-avoidant. Conclusions. These women with LPV differ in personality, report difficulties in relations, have a tight bond to their mothers and are missing their absent fathers. More research needs to be done to point out the etiology of the psycho-somatic explanations to dyspareunia. The results show how important it is to consider the psychological aspects in the care of women with dyspareunia and to allow them to be offered psychological assessment and treatment.