Pre-and postoperative psychological characteristics in mothers of patients with idiopathic scoliosis

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to clarify changes in the psychological state of mothers of patients with idiopathic scoliosis, and to clarify relationships between the psychological states of the mothers and patients. The Maudsley personality inventory (MPI) was administered to 30 patients with idiopathic scoliosis who underwent surgery and their mothers preoperatively and at about 1 year postoperatively. We investigated the relationships between preoperative MPI scores and postoperative scores in patients and their mothers, respectively, and the relationships between MPI scores for patients and mothers. The results of the present study revealed that patients became more extroverted following surgery, while mothers displayed reduced neurotic tendencies. In conclusion, the mothers of patients who undergo corrective treatment for scoliosis may have experienced a substantial psychological burden before surgery, and doctors who treat patients with scoliosis should bear this point in mind. © Springer-Verlag 2005.