Neuroticism and physical disorders among adults in the community: results from the National Comorbidity Survey

Abstract

To examine the association between neuroticism and physical disorders among adults in the United States, data were drawn from the National Comorbidity Survey (n = 5,877). Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between neuroticism and physical disorders among adults in the community, adjusting for differences in demographic characteristics and comorbid mental disorders.Results indicated that neuroticism was associated with significantly elevated rates of a wide range of physical disorders, with the exception of stroke. After adjusting for differences in demographic characteristics and comorbid mental disorders, neuroticism was associated with increased odds of arthritis (OR = 1.5), diabetes (OR = 3.33), kidney/liver disease (OR = 2.56), stomach/gallbladder problems (OR = 2.27), and ulcer (OR = 3.23). Based on those findings, neuroticism appears to be a general predictor of a range of physical health problems among adults in the United States. Much of this association appears to be partially mediated by comorbid mental disorders, yet the association between neuroticism and arthritis, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, stomach problems, and ulcer persist even after adjusting for differences in demographic characteristics and comorbid mental disorders. Future studies that can examine the nature and mechanism of these linkages across the lifespan are needed next.