We investigated the association between personality traits and treatment outcomes in male Korean patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH).

We evaluated the personality traits and the severity of LUTS/BPH symptoms at baseline using the Korean versions of the 44-item Big Five Inventory (BFI-K) and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), respectively. The IPSS was re-administered following a 12-week routine treatment regime, and we examined the relationship between treatment outcome and personality traits.

Of the 176 patients initially screened, 101 agreed to participate in the study. Of those, 93 (92.1%) completed the 12-week trial and the BFI-K. Neuroticism was associated with a significantly worse treatment response, whereas extraversion was associated with a significantly better treatment response, and openness was associated with a high responder rate. Agreeableness, openness and conscientiousness were associated with improved week-12 IPSS total scores; however, the results were not statistically significant.

We found an association between treatment response and personality traits of neuroticism, extraversion and openness in patients with LUTS/BPH. However, further studies with larger samples and an improved design are needed to support our findings.