After organ transplantation, some patients may have changed their personality… and sexual preferences!

What if organ transplants can cause personality changes? This hypothesis, which may seem like science fiction, was put forward in a recent study conducted by a research team from the University of Colorado and published in the journal Transplantology. The researchers found that organ transplant may change the recipient’s identity. To reach this conclusion, they analyzed data collected from 47 adults, including 23 who had received a heart transplant and 24 who had received a non-heart transplant. Participants answered various questions about their personality and changes observed after surgery.

Transplantation: personality changes noted

The researchers quickly noticed that the vast majority of volunteers (89%) reported personality changes after the transplant. “This was similar for heart transplant recipients and other organ recipients.“, experts assure, clarifying that the changes have affected many aspects of personality, including leisure, professional activities, communication skills, attitudes towards religion, eating habits and even sexual preferences. Some subjects also reported negative effects such as anxiety, depression, or sexual dysfunction. Moreover, several recipients have stated that they have regained memories of their organ donors, an incredible piece of evidence that nevertheless confirms that Transplants can cause significant emotional and cognitive changes.

Transplantation: a study with limitations

However, the researchers stress that their results should be interpreted with caution. Indeed, their questionnaire was sent to individuals who were already interested in personality changes after transplantation. Many of these changes may be the result of improved physical health after surgery rather than a transfer of personality from donor to recipient. […]. Our results may be affected by selection bias caused by our recruitment of people who explicitly stated that they were studying personality changes after organ transplantation.“scientists point out before concluding: “People who have not experienced personality changes are less likely to participate in such a study.”

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