1
|
Safiye Y, Gülcan BT, Zülfünaz Ö, Ersoy A. The relationship between perceived stress, spiritual well-being and alexithymia in people with epilepsy: A path analysis. Epilepsy Res 2024; 207:107450. [PMID: 39276642 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2024.107450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024]
Abstract
AIM The present study was performed to investigate the associations among perceived stress, spiritual well-being, and alexithymia in people with epilepsy. METHOD The study was performed with 140 patients diagnosed with epilepsy in the neurology clinic of a training and research hospital between May and December 2022. Personal Information Form, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14), Spiritual Well-Being Scale (FACIT Sp-12), and Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) were used to collect the data. Descriptive statistical methods, simple and multiple regression analyses, and path analysis were used to analyze the data. RESULTS The mean scores of the patients were 25.51±9.42 for PSS-14, 29.77±8.33 for FACIT Sp-12, and 56.55±16.87 for TAS-20. Concerning direct effects, a negative association was found between perceived stress and spiritual well-being, a positive association between perceived stress and alexithymia, and a negative association between spiritual well-being and alexithymia. The confirmed mediating effect was the role of spiritual well-being in the association between perceived stress and alexithymia. Perceived stress explained 28 % of spiritual well-being. In addition, the model explained 34 % of alexithymia in total. CONCLUSION Perceived stress levels of people with epilepsy were low, while alexithymia and spiritual well-being levels were found to be moderate. It was found that as the stress levels perceived by people with epilepsy increased, alexithymia levels also increased. It was also found that the negative impact of perceived stress on alexithymia was reduced through spiritual well-being. The study shows how important spiritual well-being is in decreasing the negative impacts of perceived stress on alexithymia in people with epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanmış Safiye
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Erzican Binali Yıldırım University, Erzincan, Turkey
| | | | - Özer Zülfünaz
- Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Alevtina Ersoy
- Erzincan Binali Yildirim University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medical Sciences, Department of Neurology, Erzincan, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wilczyński KM, Cichoń L, Stasik A, Kania K, Rodak N, Wizner M, Janas-Kozik M. An Analysis of the Time Required for the Diagnosis of ASD and the Factors Influencing Its Duration in a Sample of the Pediatric Population from Poland. J Clin Med 2024; 13:6255. [PMID: 39458205 PMCID: PMC11508286 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13206255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2024] [Revised: 10/01/2024] [Accepted: 10/15/2024] [Indexed: 10/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a very important factor for improving the quality of life of people on the spectrum, but it still remains a major problem in Europe, especially concerning girls. In this study, we tried to answer the question of what factors affect the age of diagnosis in Poland. Additionally, we tried to establish the time between the first visit to the mental health center (MHC) and the diagnosis in this population, and what factors affect its length. Methods: 77 children were randomly recruited among the patients who came to local MHC at the Child and Family Health Centre in Sosnowiec. All participants were tested using the ADOS-2 protocol. In addition, the study used the TAS-20 test and BDI. Results: The mean age of the first enrollment in the MHC was 9.09 years for girls and 6.42 for the boys. The time needed to obtain a diagnosis from the first visit was consecutively 2.90 years and 4.29 years, but the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Obtaining a different psychiatric diagnosis did not affect the average time to diagnosis and the age of diagnosis. Conclusions: The results of the study indicate that the diagnosis of ASD is still a significant problem both in Poland and in the world. Obtaining an accurate diagnosis requires significant time, and it frequently involves consulting multiple specialists. The diagnostic process should be flexible, and the specialist should always take into account the axial symptoms but remain aware that the "overdiagnosis" of ASD can also have harmful consequences for the child.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof M. Wilczyński
- Department of Psychiatry and Developmental Age Psychotherapy, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
- John Paul II Child and Family Health Center in Sosnowiec, 41-218 Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Lena Cichoń
- Department of Psychiatry and Developmental Age Psychotherapy, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
- John Paul II Child and Family Health Center in Sosnowiec, 41-218 Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Stasik
- John Paul II Child and Family Health Center in Sosnowiec, 41-218 Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kania
- Students’ Scientific Club, Department of Psychiatry and Developmental Age Psychotherapy, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Natalia Rodak
- Students’ Scientific Club, Department of Psychiatry and Developmental Age Psychotherapy, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Michał Wizner
- Students’ Scientific Club, Department of Psychiatry and Developmental Age Psychotherapy, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Janas-Kozik
- Department of Psychiatry and Developmental Age Psychotherapy, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
- John Paul II Child and Family Health Center in Sosnowiec, 41-218 Sosnowiec, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kurihara K, Enoki H, Shinzato H, Takaesu Y, Kondo T. Cluster analysis of patients with alcohol use disorder featuring alexithymia, depression, and diverse drinking behavior. Neuropsychopharmacol Rep 2024. [PMID: 38773706 DOI: 10.1002/npr2.12449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to identify subgroups of alcohol use disorder (AUD) based on a multidimensional combination of alexithymia, depression, and diverse drinking behavior. METHOD We recruited 176 patients with AUD, which were initially divided into non-alexithymic (n = 130) and alexithymic (n = 46) groups using a cutoff score of 61 on the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). Subsequently, the profiles of the two groups were compared. Thereafter, a two-stage cluster analysis using hierarchical and K-means methods was performed with the Z-scores from the TAS-20, the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self-Report Japanese Version, the 12-item questionnaire for quantitative assessment of depressive mixed state, and the 20-item questionnaire for drinking behavior pattern. RESULTS In the first analysis, Alexithymic patients with AUD showed greater depressive symptoms and more pathological drinking behavior patterns than those without alexithymia. Cluster analysis featuring alexithymia, depression, and drinking behavior identified three subtypes: Cluster 1 (core AUD type) manifesting pathological drinking behavior highlighting automaticity; Cluster 2 (late-onset type) showing relatively late-onset alcohol use and fewer depressive symptoms or pathological drinking behavior; and Cluster 3 (alexithymic type) characterized by alexithymia, depression, and pathological drinking behavior featuring greater coping with negative affect. CONCLUSION The multidimensional model with alexithymia, depression, and diverse drinking behavior provided possible practical classification of AUD. The alexithymic subtype may require more caution, and additional support for negative affect may be necessary due to accompanying mood problems and various maladaptive drinking behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Kurihara
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Enoki
- Major in Clinical Psychology, Graduate School of Psychological Sciences, Hiroshima International University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hotaka Shinzato
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Takaesu
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Kondo
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Grigorescu C, Chalah MA, Ayache SS, Palm U. [Alexithymia in Multiple Sclerosis - Narrative Review]. FORTSCHRITTE DER NEUROLOGIE-PSYCHIATRIE 2023; 91:404-413. [PMID: 35948023 DOI: 10.1055/a-1882-6544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Alexithymia is a multidimensional construct of personality implicating difficulties in identifying and describing another's feelings, and externally oriented thinking. It is broadly reported in psychiatric patients but has gained little attention regarding its occurrence and pathophysiology in multiple sclerosis (MS). This narrative review aims to address prevalence, etiology, neurobiological, and clinical findings of alexithymia. The prevalence of alexithymia in MS ranges from 10 to 53%. There seems to be an association with anxiety, depression, fatigue, and some aspects of social cognition, while the relationship with clinical and classical cognitive variables was rarely evaluated. Only a few studies referred to its pathophysiology assuming an aberrant interhemispheric transfer or regional cerebral abnormalities. The prevalence of alexithymia in MS and the potential negative impact on quality of life and interpersonal communication could severely impact clinical MS management and a screnning for these factors should be mandatory. Thus, further evaluation is needed concerning its relationship with clinical, emotional, and cognitive confounders. Large-scale studies employing neuroimaging techniques are needed for a better understanding of the neural underpinnings of this MS feature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Grigorescu
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Klinikum der Universität München, München
| | - Moussa A Chalah
- EA 4391, Excitabilité Nerveuse et Thérapeutique, Université Paris-Est-Créteil, Créteil, France
- Service de Physiologie - Explorations Fonctionnelles, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France
| | - Samar S Ayache
- EA 4391, Excitabilité Nerveuse et Thérapeutique, Université Paris-Est-Créteil, Créteil, France
- Service de Physiologie - Explorations Fonctionnelles, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France
| | - Ulrich Palm
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Klinikum der Universität München, München
- Medical Park Chiemseeblick, Bernau a. Chiemsee
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pantazakos T, Vanaken GJ. Addressing the autism mental health crisis: the potential of phenomenology in neurodiversity-affirming clinical practices. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1225152. [PMID: 37731874 PMCID: PMC10507173 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1225152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The neurodiversity movement has introduced a new era for autism research. Yet, the neurodiversity paradigm and the autism clinic remain largely unconnected. With the present work, we aim to contribute to filling this lacuna by putting forward phenomenology as a foundation for developing neurodiversity-affirming clinical interventions for autism. In the first part of this paper, we highlight that autistic people face a severe mental health crisis. We argue that approaches focused on reducing autistic 'symptoms' are unlikely to solve the problem, as autistic mental health is positively correlated with autism acceptance and perceived quality of support provided, not necessarily with lack of 'symptomatologic severity'. Therefore, the development and dissemination of neurodiversity-affirming clinical interventions is key for addressing the autism mental health crisis. However, therapists and researchers exploring such neurodiversity-affirming practices are faced with two significant challenges. First, they lack concrete methodological principles regarding the incorporation of neurodiversity into clinical work. Second, they need to find ways to acknowledge rightful calls to respect the 'autistic self' within the clinic, while also challenging certain beliefs and behaviors of autistic clients in a manner that is sine qua non for therapy, irrespective of neurotype. In the second part of the paper, we introduce phenomenological psychology as a potential resource for engaging with these challenges in neurodiversity-affirming approaches to psychotherapy. In this vein, we put forward specific directions for adapting cognitive behavioral and interpersonal psychotherapy for autism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Themistoklis Pantazakos
- Department of Science and Technology Studies, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- The American College of Greece, Athens, Greece
| | - Gert-Jan Vanaken
- Parenting and Special Education Research Unit, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Autism Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Philosophy, Centre for Ethics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Degraeve B, Sequeira H, Mecheri H, Lenne B. Corpus callosum damage to account for cognitive, affective, and social-cognitive dysfunctions in multiple sclerosis: A model of callosal disconnection syndrome? Mult Scler 2023; 29:160-168. [PMID: 35475386 DOI: 10.1177/13524585221091067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The corpus callosum (CC) is the major commissure interconnecting the two hemispheres and is particularly affected in multiple sclerosis (MS). In the present review, we aimed to investigate the role played by callosal damages in the pathogenesis of MS-related dysfunctions and examine whether a model of callosal disconnection syndrome is a valid model for MS. For this purpose, we will first review structural and functional evidence of callosal pathology in MS. Second, we will account for the potential role of CC abnormalities in MS-related dysfunctions. Finally, we will report data concurring with a "multiple disconnection hypothesis" that has been proposed to explain those dysfunctions, and we will examine evidence pointing toward MS as a "callosal disconnection syndrome." We will end by discussing the contribution of this interpretation to the understanding of MS and MS-related deficits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Henrique Sequeira
- UMR 9193-SCALab-Sciences Cognitives et Sciences Affectives, CNRS, University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Halima Mecheri
- ETHICS (EA7446), Lille Catholic University, FLSH, Lille, France
| | - Bruno Lenne
- ETHICS (EA7446), Lille Catholic University, FLSH, Lille, France; Neurology Department, Groupement des hôpitaux de l'institut catholique de Lille (GHICL), Lille, France
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Alexithymia as a Risk Factor for Social Indifference: A Quantitative Study with a Large Sample of Female Adolescents. SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s12310-023-09568-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
|
8
|
Kang Y, Kim A, Kang W, Han KM, Ham B. The Association of White Matter Tracts with Alexithymia among Individuals with Major Depressive Disorder. Exp Neurobiol 2022; 31:343-352. [PMID: 36351844 PMCID: PMC9659491 DOI: 10.5607/en22030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Alexithymia is characterized by impairments in the processing of emotions. Although the disruptions in the white matter (WM) integrity in Major depressive disorder (MDD) has frequently been reported, the underlying relationship with alexithymia remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated WM tracts with Tracts Constrained by UnderLying Anatomy approach to discover potential associations between alexithymia and WM integrity to identify the neural basis of impaired emotional self-awareness in MDD. 101 patients with MDD and 99 healthy sex- and age-matched individuals underwent diffusion-weighted imaging. All participants were assessed with the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS). TAS scores were significantly higher in MDD patients than in controls. Patients with MDD exhibited significantly lower FA values in the left inferior longitudinal fasciculus and it also showed negative associations with TAS. These results contribute to the neurobiological evidence on the association between MDD and alexithymia. Additionally, they suggest that reduced white matter integrity in the regions constitutes a principal pathophysiology underlying impaired emotional recognition and description in MDD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Youbin Kang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Aram Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Wooyoung Kang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Kyu-Man Han
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Byoungjoo Ham
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Faye DA, Tadke R, Gawande S, Bhave HS, Kirpekar VC, Chatterjee A, Nathani Y, Singh D. Comparison of cognition and alexithymia in patients of schizophrenia with and without comorbid alcohol use: A cross-sectional exploratory study. Ind Psychiatry J 2022; 31:267-275. [PMID: 36419712 PMCID: PMC9678171 DOI: 10.4103/ipj.ipj_155_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive impairment and alexithymia are commonly associated with schizophrenia and alcohol use disorder independently. Both can lead to poor prognosis and recovery. In patients with dual diagnosis, this association can be more prevalent and severe. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 75 participants were grouped into two (35 each): Group A, a Schizophrenia group and Group B with comorbid alcohol use. Sociodemographic factors, clinical profile, cognitive functions, and alexithymia were compared between the two groups using semi-structured pro forma, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Scale, Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) (subcategorized into three subscales (1) "Difficulty describing feelings" (DDF), (2) "Difficulty identifying feeling" (DIF), and (3) "Externally-Oriented Thinking" and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square tests and t-tests as applicable. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS The mean age of the participants was 33.61 (standard deviation [SD]-8.11), mean duration of schizophrenia was 70.8 months (SD-47.5) and mean duration of alcohol consumption was 9.10 years (SD-7.7). MoCA score was significantly lower (mean-21.80, SD-2.98) and TAS total score was significantly higher in Group B (Mean-67.31, SD-8.10). DDF (Mean-19.28, SD-4.02) and DIF scores (Mean-22.86, SD-4.66) were significantly higher in alcohol group compared to nonalcohol group. Furthermore, MoCA score was significantly impaired and TAS total, DDF and DIF scores were significantly higher in participants with AUDIT score >8 (P < 0.05). Lower score on MoCA correlated with the higher score of alexithymia. CONCLUSION Cognitive dysfunction and alexithymia were significantly more in patients of schizophrenia with comorbid alcohol use and positively correlated with the severity of alcohol use disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Abhijeet Faye
- Department of Psychiatry, NKP Salve Institute of Medical Sciences and Lata Mangeshkar Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rahul Tadke
- Department of Psychiatry, NKP Salve Institute of Medical Sciences and Lata Mangeshkar Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sushil Gawande
- Department of Psychiatry, NKP Salve Institute of Medical Sciences and Lata Mangeshkar Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - H Sudhir Bhave
- Department of Psychiatry, NKP Salve Institute of Medical Sciences and Lata Mangeshkar Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vivek Chintaman Kirpekar
- Department of Psychiatry, NKP Salve Institute of Medical Sciences and Lata Mangeshkar Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Anirban Chatterjee
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Yashika Nathani
- Department of Psychiatry, NKP Salve Institute of Medical Sciences and Lata Mangeshkar Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Deepika Singh
- Department of Psychiatry, NKP Salve Institute of Medical Sciences and Lata Mangeshkar Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Egger ST, Knorr M, Bobes J, Bernstein A, Seifritz E, Vetter S. Real-Time Assessment of Stress and Stress Response Using Digital Phenotyping: A Study Protocol. Front Digit Health 2021; 2:544418. [PMID: 34713030 PMCID: PMC8521792 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2020.544418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Stress is a complex phenomenon that may have a negative influence on health and well-being; consequently, it plays a pivotal role in mental health. Although the incidence of mental disorders has been continuously rising, development of prevention and treatment methods has been rather slow. Through the ubiquitous presence of smartphones and wearable devices, people can monitor stress parameters in everyday life. However, the reliability and validity of such monitoring are still unsatisfactory. Methods: The aim of this trial is to find a relationship between psychological stress and saliva cortisol levels on the one hand and physiological parameters measured by smartphones in combination with a commercially available wearable device on the other. Participants include cohorts of individuals with and without a psychiatric disorder. The study is conducted in two settings: one naturalistic and one a controlled laboratory environment, combining ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and digital phenotyping (DP). EMA is used for the assessment of challenging and stressful situations coincidentally happening during a whole observation week. DP is used during a controlled stress situation with the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) as a standardized psychobiological paradigm. Initially, participants undergo a complete psychological screening and profiling using a standardized psychometric test battery. EMA uses a smartphone application, and the participants keep a diary about their daily routine, activities, well-being, sleep, and difficult and stressful situations they may encounter. DP is conducted through wearable devices able to continuously monitor physiological parameters (i.e., heart rate, heart rate variability, skin conductivity, temperature, movement and acceleration). Additionally, saliva cortisol samples are repeatedly taken. The TSST is conducted with continuous measurement of the same parameters measured during the EMA. Discussion: We aim to identify valid and reliable digital biomarkers for stress and stress reactions. Furthermore, we expect to find a way of early detection of psychological stress in order to evolve new opportunities for interventions reducing stress. That may allow us to find new ways of treating and preventing mental disorders. Trial Registration: The competing ethics committee of the Canton of Zurich, Switzerland, approved the study protocol V05.1 May 28, 2019 [BASEC: 2019-00814]; the trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov [NCT04100213] on September 19, 2019.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephan T Egger
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, Psychiatric University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, CIBERSAM, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Marius Knorr
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, Psychiatric University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Julio Bobes
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, CIBERSAM, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Abraham Bernstein
- Department of Informatics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, Psychiatric University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Vetter
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, Psychiatric University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ryan C, Cogan S, Phillips A, O'Connor L. Objective and Subjective Measurement of Alexithymia in Adults with Autism. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 51:2019-2028. [PMID: 32888165 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04665-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
High rates of alexithymia, a condition characterised by difficulties identifying and describing emotions, are frequently reported in both children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the dilemma of measuring alexithymia via self-report has rarely been addressed. In this study, we compared objective and subjective measures of alexithymia in adults with ASD and typically developing adults. We found significantly higher levels of alexithymia in the ASD sample as measured by both self-report on the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and by the observer rated Alexithymia Provoked Response Scale (APRQ). However, the two measures did not correlate with each other. We explore the different facets of the alexithymia construct that these two measures may be distinguishing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Ryan
- School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork, Distillery House, North Mall, Cork, T23 TK30, Ireland.
| | | | - Ailish Phillips
- School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork, Distillery House, North Mall, Cork, T23 TK30, Ireland
| | - Lorraine O'Connor
- School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork, Distillery House, North Mall, Cork, T23 TK30, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Jakobson LS, Rigby SN. Alexithymia and Sensory Processing Sensitivity: Areas of Overlap and Links to Sensory Processing Styles. Front Psychol 2021; 12:583786. [PMID: 34108902 PMCID: PMC8182761 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.583786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Alexithymia is a dimensional trait characterized by difficulties identifying and describing feelings and an externally oriented thinking (EOT) style. Here, we explored interrelationships between alexithymia and measures assessing how individuals process and regulate their responses to environmental and body-based cues. Young adults (N = 201) completed self-report questionnaires assessing alexithymia, sensory processing sensitivity (SPS), interoceptive accuracy (IA), sensory processing styles, and current levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Whereas EOT was related to low orienting sensitivity, problems with emotional appraisal (difficulties identifying feelings/difficulties describing feelings) were related to heightened sensory sensitivity. In addition, features of SPS improved the prediction of alexithymia above and beyond that accounted for by IA. We suggest that EOT is linked to problems maintaining a representation of one’s emotions in working memory and that low IA and problems with emotional appraisal are linked to atypicalities in sensory processing that may impact embodiment. A latent profile analysis revealed five classes of individuals distinguished by the relative strength of different alexithymic traits and by differences in IA and sensory processing styles. The classes identified included two lexithymic, one modal, and two alexithymic groups, showing different susceptibilities to SPS. Overall, our findings lend support to the view that alexithymia is associated with atypicalities in both bottom–up and top–down processes that impact emotion processing and regulation. They also raise the possibility that individuals with different alexithymia subtypes may differ with regard to a range of factors, including not only SPS but also early life experiences, mental health outcomes, and susceptibility to various personality disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorna S Jakobson
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Sarah N Rigby
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Jáni M, Kikinis Z, Lošák J, Pasternak O, Szczepankiewicz F, Heller C, Swago S, Silva A, Bouix S, Kubicki M, Ustohal L, Kudlička P, Vojtíšek L, Westin CF, Kašpárek T. Emotional Awareness in Schizophrenia Is Associated With Gray Matter Volume of Right Precuneus. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:601742. [PMID: 33868042 PMCID: PMC8046932 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.601742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: We assessed the relationship between emotional awareness (e.g., the ability to identify and differentiate our own feelings and feelings of others) and regional brain volumes in healthy and in schizophrenia groups. Methods: Magnetic resonance images of 29 subjects with schizophrenia and 33 matched healthy controls were acquired. Brain gray matter was parcellated using FreeSurfer and 28 regions of interest associated with emotional awareness were analyzed. All participants were assessed using the Levels of Emotional Awareness Scale (LEAS) of Self and of Other. LEAS scores were correlated with gray matter volume for each hemisphere on the 14 brain regions of the emotional awareness network. Results: Individuals with schizophrenia showed decreased emotional awareness on both LEAS Self and LEAS Other compared to healthy controls. There were no statistically significant between-group differences in gray matter volumes of the emotional awareness network. The performance on LEAS Other correlated negatively with right precuneus gray matter volume only in the schizophrenia group. Conclusion: Our findings suggest a relationship between gray matter volume of the right precuneus and deficits in understanding of emotional states of others in schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Jáni
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czechia
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Zora Kikinis
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jan Lošák
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Ofer Pasternak
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Filip Szczepankiewicz
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Medical Radiation Physics, Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Carina Heller
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Sophia Swago
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Annelise Silva
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sylvain Bouix
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Marek Kubicki
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Brockton Division, Brockton, MA, United States
| | - Libor Ustohal
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Petr Kudlička
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Lubomír Vojtíšek
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Carl-Frederik Westin
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Tomáš Kašpárek
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czechia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Edwards DJ, Lowe R. Associations Between Mental Health, Interoception, Psychological Flexibility, and Self-as-Context, as Predictors for Alexithymia: A Deep Artificial Neural Network Approach. Front Psychol 2021; 12:637802. [PMID: 33868110 PMCID: PMC8044902 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.637802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Alexithymia is a personality trait which is characterized by an inability to identify and describe conscious emotions of oneself and others. Aim: The present study aimed to determine whether various measures of mental health, interoception, psychological flexibility, and self-as-context, predicted through linear associations alexithymia as an outcome. This also included relevant mediators and non-linear predictors identified for particular sub-groups of participants through cluster analyses of an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) output. Methodology: Two hundred and thirty participants completed an online survey which included the following questionnaires: Toronto alexithymia scale; Acceptance and Action Questionnaire 2 (AQQII); Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS-SF), Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale 21 (DAS21); Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA); and the Self-as-Context (SAC) scale. A stepwise backwards linear regression and mediation analysis were performed, as well as a cluster analysis of the non-linear ANN upper hidden layer output. Results: Higher levels of alexithymia were associated with increased psychological inflexibility, lower positive affect scores, and lower interoception for the subscales of “not distracting” and “attention regulation.” SAC mediated the relation between emotional regulation and total alexithymia. The ANNs accounted for more of the variance than the linear regressions, and were able to identify complex and varied patterns within the participant subgroupings. Conclusion: The findings were discussed within the context of developing a SAC processed-based therapeutic model for alexithymia, where it is suggested that alexithymia is a complex and multi-faceted condition, which requires a similarly complex, and process-based approach to accurately diagnose and treat this condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darren J Edwards
- Department of Public Health, Policy, and Social Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Rob Lowe
- Department of Psychology, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Teggi R, Finocchiaro CY, Ruggieri C, Gatti O, Rosolen F, Bussi M, Sarno L. Alexithymia in Patients with Ménière Disease: A Possible Role on Anxiety and Depression. Audiol Res 2021; 11:63-72. [PMID: 33672376 PMCID: PMC8006144 DOI: 10.3390/audiolres11010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this paper was to investigate the role of the psychological variable of alexithymia both as a risk factor for the development of Ménière’s disease (MD) and as a component that influences the personal experience of MD and the individual quality of life. We collected data from 179 Italian patients who fulfilled criteria for definite MD. Patients filled out validated self-rating questionnaires to assess alexithymia (TAS-20), quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF), anxiety and depression (HADS), perception of stress (PSS) and coping strategies (COPE). Socio-demographic data and MD clinical features were collected using a specific rating form. Subjects affected by MD showed higher levels of alexithymia compared to general population. Among MD patients, those characterized by high levels of alexithymia revealed a significant increase in anxiety and depression, greater perceived stress, a lower quality of life in psychological health and social relationships domains and the use of less mature coping strategies in comparison with MD patients with low or absent alexithymia. Our preliminary data could help in hypothesizing a role of psychological functioning in MD development and in the adaptation to the disease. The presence of alexithymia in patients suffering from MD may constitute a risk factor for the development of anxiety and depression symptoms; greater perceived stress and for poorer psychological and relational quality of life. Therefore, our study design did not allow causal inferences and further studies are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Teggi
- ENT Division, Department of ENT, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy; (O.G.); (M.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Claudia Yvonne Finocchiaro
- Clinical Healt Psychology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy; (C.Y.F.); (C.R.); (F.R.); (L.S.)
- Faculty of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Claudio Ruggieri
- Clinical Healt Psychology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy; (C.Y.F.); (C.R.); (F.R.); (L.S.)
| | - Omar Gatti
- ENT Division, Department of ENT, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy; (O.G.); (M.B.)
| | - Federica Rosolen
- Clinical Healt Psychology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy; (C.Y.F.); (C.R.); (F.R.); (L.S.)
| | - Mario Bussi
- ENT Division, Department of ENT, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy; (O.G.); (M.B.)
| | - Lucio Sarno
- Clinical Healt Psychology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy; (C.Y.F.); (C.R.); (F.R.); (L.S.)
- Faculty of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Fynn DM, Gignac GE, Becerra R, Pestell CF, Weinborn M. The Prevalence and Characteristics of Alexithymia in Adults Following Brain Injury: A Meta-Analysis. Neuropsychol Rev 2021; 31:722-738. [PMID: 33624197 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-021-09484-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Alexithymia is the inability to identify and describe one's own emotions. Some research suggests that organic alexithymia may occur after acquired brain injury (ABI). However, the results in the literature are inconsistent, when comparisons are made against healthy controls. Furthermore, a precise estimate of alexithymia prevalence in the ABI population has not yet been reported. Consequently, this meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence and characteristics of alexithymia in ABI, as measured by the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20). Based on 22 unique ABI samples, a series of random-effects meta-analyses estimated moderate to large positive effect sizes (i.e., greater alexithymia in ABI samples) for the TAS-20 total scale (Hedges' g = 1.00, 95% CI [0.75, 1.35]), as well as the subscales: difficulty identifying feelings (Hedges' g = 0.92, 95% CI [0.66, 1.17]), difficulty describing feelings (Hedges' g = 0.69, 95% CI [0.50, 0.87]) and externally oriented thinking (Hedges' g = 0.75, 95% CI [0.64, 0.85]). Furthermore, a meta-regression identified a larger effect size (TAS-20 total scale score) for traumatic brain injury (TBI) samples, in comparison to non-TBI samples. Finally, the prevalence of clinically significant levels of alexithymia (TAS-20 total scale ≥ 68.4; i.e., two SDs above the general population mean) in ABI patients was estimated at 15.2%. We interpreted the results to suggest that ABI may have a substantial negative impact on affective processing abilities and, thus, comprehensive assessment of emotional functioning deficits following ABI should be considered by practitioners.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M Fynn
- School of Psychology, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Gilles E Gignac
- School of Psychology, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia.
| | - Rodrigo Becerra
- School of Psychology, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Carmela F Pestell
- School of Psychology, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Michael Weinborn
- School of Psychology, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Nadeau SE. Treatment of disorders of emotional comprehension, expression, and emotional semantics. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2021; 183:283-297. [PMID: 34389123 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-822290-4.00013-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neurological disease can impair emotional communication by several means: damaging the networks important in understanding the meaning of emotional stimuli (emotional semantics); damaging networks important in the perceptual recognition and production of emotional stimuli, and damaging the connections between networks supporting emotional semantics and recognition/production networks. Disorders of emotional expression, comprehension, and emotional semantics may improve with pharmacological or behavioral treatments. Pharmacological treatments can be used to redress naturally occurring or disease-related alterations in the computational properties of target neural systems. No drug treatment can replace a loss of cerebral knowledge related to the pathological loss of neural connectivity. Behavioral treatments that benefit either comprehension or expression of specific emotions may be of value if these emotions are particularly important in enabling human social interaction. However, behavioral treatments that achieve generalization, that is, improve performance with untrained exemplars and in daily life, are much to be preferred, even as they pose the greatest methodological challenges. This chapter will discuss possible mechanisms of generalization and then review what is known about the treatment of expressive and receptive affective aprosodia, deficits in recognition of facial emotions, and pseudobulbar affect. The final section of the chapter is devoted to a discussion of three disorders of emotional semantics, apathy, alexithymia, and impaired empathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen E Nadeau
- Research Service and the Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Gainesville, FL, United States; Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Arroyo-Anlló EM, Souchaud C, Ingrand P, Chamorro Sánchez J, Melero Ventola A, Gil R. Alexithymia in Alzheimer's Disease. J Clin Med 2020; 10:jcm10010044. [PMID: 33375608 PMCID: PMC7795069 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10010044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Alexithymia is widely recognized as the inability to identify and express emotions. It is a construct which consists of four cognitive traits such as difficulty in identifying feelings, describing feelings to others, externally oriented thinking, and limited imaginative capacity. Several studies have linked alexithymia to cognitive functioning, observing greater alexithymia scores associated with poorer cognitive abilities. Despite Alzheimer's disease (AD) being a neurodegenerative pathology characterized by cognitive troubles from the early stages, associated to behavioral and emotional disturbances, very few investigations have studied the alexithymia in AD. These studies have shown that alexithymia scores-assessed with Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS)-were greater in AD patients than healthy participants. The objective of the study was to investigate if the alexithymia was present in patients with mild AD. We hypothesized that the AD group would show more alexithymia features than the control group. We evaluated 54 subjects, including 27 patients diagnosed with mild AD and 27 normal healthy controls, using the Shalling Sifneos Psychosomatic Scale (SSPS-R) and a neuropsychological test battery. Using non-parametric statistical analyses-Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney U tests-we observed that the SSPS-R scores were similar in the AD and control groups. All participants showed SSPS-R scores below to 10 points, which means no-alexithymia. We did not find significant correlations between SSPS-R scores and cognitive variables in both groups (p > 0.22), but we observed a negative association between name abilities and alexithymia, but it does not reach to significance (p = 0.07). However, a significant correlation between SSPS-R score and mood state, assessed using Zerssen Rating Scale, was found in both groups (p = 0.01). Because we did not find a significant difference in the alexithymia assessment between both subject groups, pot hoc analyses were computed for each item of the SSPS-R. We made comparisons of alexithymic responses percentages in each SSPS-R item between AD and control groups, using Fisher's test. We observed that AD patients produced more alexithymic responses in some items of SSPS-R test than the control group, particularly about difficulties to find the words to describe feelings, as well as difficulties of imagination capacity and externally oriented thinking. The present results do not confirm our hypothesis and they do not support the results of previous studies revealing great alexithymia in AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Mª Arroyo-Anlló
- Department of Psychobiology, Neuroscience Institute of Castilla-León, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-629460944
| | - Corinne Souchaud
- Department of Neurology and Neuropsychology, University Hospital, CHU La Milétrie, 86000 Poitiers, France;
| | - Pierre Ingrand
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Poitiers, 86000 Poitiers, France;
| | - Jorge Chamorro Sánchez
- Faculty of Psychology, Pontifical University of Salamanca, 37002 Salamanca, Spain; (J.C.S.); (A.M.V.)
| | - Alejandra Melero Ventola
- Faculty of Psychology, Pontifical University of Salamanca, 37002 Salamanca, Spain; (J.C.S.); (A.M.V.)
| | - Roger Gil
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, 86000 Poitiers, France;
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Alexithymia and emotion dysregulation in adult patients with epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 113:107537. [PMID: 33242774 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The concept of alexithymia refers to difficulty perceiving, identifying, and describing emotions. We aimed at evaluating the prevalence of alexithymia in a sample of adult people with epilepsy (PWE) with and without psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) and healthy control subjects (HC) and identifying major factors able to affect it. MATERIALS AND METHODS We enrolled consecutively 91 PWE (12 of which with PNES in addition to seizures) and 146 HC age- and gender-matched. Both groups' subjects completed the following questionnaires: TAS-20, Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) and the Italian translation of Stigma Scale of Epilepsy (SSE), able to evaluate stigma related to epilepsy both in epileptic and nonepileptic subjects. Moreover, PWE completed the well-known Jacoby's Stigma Scale (JSS), dedicated to the evaluation of stigma only by patients with epilepsy and QOLIE-31 (Q31) for evaluating the quality of life. We analyzed correlations between alexithymia and several epilepsy-related (seizure frequency, antiseizure medications-ASMs) and psychosocial factors. Finally, a stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed to identify major factor affecting alexithymia in both groups. RESULTS Alexithymia was prevalent in PWE compared to controls (17.6% of alexithymic subjects in PWE vs 11% in HC), without discriminating epileptic subjects with and without PNES. This predominance disappeared when depressive symptoms (DS) were controlled for. The difficulties of identifying feelings and emotions resulted to be clearly higher in PWE, even when DS are controlled for, and significantly correlated with stigma perception. Alexithymia in PWE was also strongly associated with lower quality of life and education and greater number of ASMs and difficulties in emotion regulation (ER), that turned out to be the main factor affecting alexithymia in both groups (PWE and HC). CONCLUSIONS Alexithymia is prevalent in PWE, mostly influenced by DS and significantly associated with worse quality of life and higher emotion dysregulation and stigma perception. The latter finding could be explained by difficulty identifying emotions (DIE) that selectively characterizes PWE.
Collapse
|
20
|
Ciaramella A, Silvestri S, Pozzolini V, Federici M, Carli G. A retrospective observational study comparing somatosensory amplification in fibromyalgia, chronic pain, psychiatric disorders and healthy subjects. Scand J Pain 2020; 21:317-329. [PMID: 34387956 DOI: 10.1515/sjpain-2020-0103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Somatosensory amplification (SA) has been described as an important feature of somatoform disorders, and an "amplifying somatic style" has been reported as a negative connotation of body perception. As widespread pain (WSP) in fibromyalgia (FM) is due to a central sensitization (CS) rather than organic alterations, there has been discussion as to whether FM is equivalent to or distinct from somatization disorder (SD). Assuming SD and FM are two distinct entities, an increase in somatic amplification should be expected only in subjects who have SD, regardless of the type of pain they experience. Purpose of the study was to explore the magnitude of SA in FM, and whether this depends on the association with SD. METHODS FM (n=159) other forms of chronic pain (OCP, n=582), psychiatric (Psy, n=53) and healthy (H, n=55) subjects were investigated using the Somatosensory Amplification Scale (SSAS), Illness Behavior Questionnaire, (IBQ), Italian Pain Questionnaire (IPQ), and Cold Pressor Test (CPT) in a retrospective observational study. RESULTS FM subjects displayed higher SSAS scores than the other groups. High SSAS score was associated with FM (OR=8.39; 95%CI: 5.43-12.46) but not OCP. Although FM has the highest prevalence of SD (x2=14.07; p=.007), high SSAS scores were associated with SD in OCP but not in FM. CONCLUSIONS Unlike in OCP, in FM high SSAS scores were independent of the presence of SD. From a biopsychosocial perspective, SSAS may be a factor associated with the onset of FM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Ciaramella
- Aplysia onlus, Psychosomatic Center, GIFT Institute of Integrative Medicine, p.za Cairoli, 12, Pisa, Italy
| | - Simona Silvestri
- Aplysia Onlus, Education programme partner with University of Pisa, Florence, Padua, MIUR, Italy
| | - Valentino Pozzolini
- Aplysia Onlus, Education programme partner with University of Pisa, Florence, Padua, MIUR, Italy
| | - Martina Federici
- Aplysia Onlus, Education programme partner with University of Pisa, Florence, Padua, MIUR, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Carli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Sfeir E, Geara C, Hallit S, Obeid S. Alexithymia, aggressive behavior and depression among Lebanese adolescents: A cross-sectional study. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2020; 14:32. [PMID: 32939221 PMCID: PMC7487493 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-020-00338-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For a long time, Lebanon has been considered an unstable country. This can have a negative impact on Lebanese adolescents that consequently face secondary emotional stress, leading to more mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and alexithymia. The objective of this study was to assess the association between alexithymia, depression and aggressive behavior in a sample of Lebanese adolescents. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study, conducted between September 2018 and February 2019, which enrolled 568 young adolescents aged between 15 and 18 years using a proportionate sample from two Lebanese governorates. Out of 750 questionnaires distributed, 568 (75.73%) were completed and collected back. RESULTS The mean age was 15.87 ± 0.82 years, with 302 (53.2%) females; 180 (31.7%) were alexithymic, 193 (34.0%) and 181 (31.9%) had moderate (scores between (89 and 111) and high (scores ≥ 112) aggression respectively, whereas 176 (31.0%) and 149 (26.2%) had moderate (scores between 3 and 4) and high (scores ≥ 5) depression respectively. Higher levels of alexithymia were significantly associated with higher depression (Beta = 0.44), higher total aggression (Beta = 0.78), higher physical aggression (Beta = 0.24), higher verbal aggression (Beta = 0.14), higher anger (Beta = 0.22), and higher hostility (Beta = 0.19). CONCLUSION The prevalence of alexithymic behaviors, as well as aggression and depression in Lebanese students appears to be very high in comparison with students worldwide. Alexithymia was significantly associated with higher depression, physical and verbal aggression, anger and hostility among adolescents. Factors underlying the high level of alexithymia remain not fully elucidated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Sfeir
- grid.444434.70000 0001 2106 3658Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon ,Department of Pediatrics, Notre-Dame des Secours University Hospital (CHU-NDS), Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Claudine Geara
- grid.444434.70000 0001 2106 3658Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- grid.444434.70000 0001 2106 3658Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon ,INSPECT-LB, Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidemiologie Clinique Et Toxicologie- Liban, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sahar Obeid
- grid.444434.70000 0001 2106 3658Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon ,INSPECT-LB, Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidemiologie Clinique Et Toxicologie- Liban, Beirut, Lebanon ,Research and Psychology Departments, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, P.O. Box 60096, Jall-Eddib, Lebanon
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Ledermann K, von Känel R, Barth J, Schnyder U, Znoj H, Schmid JP, Meister Langraff RE, Princip M. Myocardial infarction-induced acute stress and post-traumatic stress symptoms: the moderating role of an alexithymia trait - difficulties identifying feelings. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2020; 11:1804119. [PMID: 33488995 PMCID: PMC7803082 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2020.1804119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been acknowledged that medical life-threatening experiences such as an acute myocardial infarction (MI) often lead to acute stress disorder symptoms (ASS), which in turn can result in the development of post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Previous studies have suggested an association between various traumatic experiences and alexithymia. The association of alexithymia with ASS and PTSS in patients with MI is elusive. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to examine the association of alexithymia with MI-induced ASS and PTSS in patients at high risk of developing PTSD. METHOD Patients (N = 154) were examined twice, once within 48 hours, and then again three months after acute MI. All patients completed the self-rating Acute Stress Disorder Scale (ASDS) within 48 hours after the cardiac event. Three months after hospital discharge, all patients completed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and underwent the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), a structured interview to assess the severity of PTSS. Descriptive statistics, correlations, multivariate linear regressions, and moderation analysis were conducted. RESULTS The linear regression model explained 23% of the variance in MI-induced PTSS-symptoms (F(6.109) = 5.58, p < 0.001, R 2 = 0.23. ASS was significantly related to PTSS severity (r (152) = p < 0.001). The scores of the TAS-20 subscale difficulties identifying feelings (DIF) were found to significantly moderate this relationship (R2 = 0.03, p = 0.04). The scores of TAS-20 subscales DDF and EOT as well as the TAS-20 total score had no influence on the relationship between ASS and PTSS (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION In MI patients with high levels of DIF, ASS predicted the development of PTSS. If replicated, the finding may inform emotion-oriented interventions to investigate whether increasing the capacity to identify feelings following acute MI could be beneficial in preventing the development of PTSS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Ledermann
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Roland von Känel
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jürgen Barth
- Institute for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ulrich Schnyder
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hansjörg Znoj
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Paul Schmid
- Department of Cardiology, Clinic Barmelweid, Barmelweid, Switzerland
| | | | - Mary Princip
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Capet N, Joly H, Suply C, Mondot L, Cohen M, Lebrun-Frenay C. Alexithymia in multiple sclerosis: Clinical and radiological correlations. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2020; 177:302-311. [PMID: 32798053 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2020.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alexithymia, meaning no words for emotions is a common problem that could affect up to 53% of patients in multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVES To determine the frequency of alexithymia in MS and investigate MS-related abnormalities in structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and their associations with fatigue and cognitive functions. METHODS Ninety-five patients at all stages of the disease were examined: 21 with clinically isolated syndromes (CIS), 30 with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), 21 with primary (PP) and 23 with secondary progressive MS (SPMS). Alexithymia was measured with the Toronto alexithymia scale (TAS-20) and correlated to cognitive functions, depression, and fatigue. Voxel-based morphometry MRI was analyzed to determine lesion load, cerebral and regional atrophy. RESULTS Fifty-seven of patients had alexithymia with no significant difference between the clinical phenotypes. Alexithymic patients differed from non-alexithymic patients on fatigue, depression and information processing speed. Compared to non-alexithymic patients, alexithymic patients had decreased volumes of cerebral and cerebellar white matter and there was a significant relationship between alexithymia and decreased brainstem, thalamic and corpus callosum volume. CONCLUSION Regardless of the phenotype of MS, alexithymia is associated with atrophy of cerebral and cerebellar white matter, brainstem, corpus callosum, and thalami.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Capet
- MS unit research Nice Cote D'azur university (UR2CA), CHU de Nice, Pasteur 2 university hospital, 30, voie Romaine, 06002 Nice, France.
| | - H Joly
- MS unit research Nice Cote D'azur university (UR2CA), CHU de Nice, Pasteur 2 university hospital, 30, voie Romaine, 06002 Nice, France.
| | - C Suply
- Department of neurology, Pasteur 2 university hospital, 30, voie Romaine, 06002 Nice, France.
| | - L Mondot
- MS unit research Nice Cote D'azur university (UR2CA), CHU de Nice, Pasteur 2 university hospital, 30, voie Romaine, 06002 Nice, France.
| | - M Cohen
- MS unit research Nice Cote D'azur university (UR2CA), CHU de Nice, Pasteur 2 university hospital, 30, voie Romaine, 06002 Nice, France.
| | - C Lebrun-Frenay
- MS unit research Nice Cote D'azur university (UR2CA), CHU de Nice, Pasteur 2 university hospital, 30, voie Romaine, 06002 Nice, France.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Anzellotti F, Dono F, Evangelista G, Di Pietro M, Carrarini C, Russo M, Ferrante C, Sensi SL, Onofrj M. Psychogenic Non-epileptic Seizures and Pseudo-Refractory Epilepsy, a Management Challenge. Front Neurol 2020; 11:461. [PMID: 32582005 PMCID: PMC7280483 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are neurobehavioral conditions positioned in a gray zone, not infrequently a no-man land, that lies in the intersection between Neurology and Psychiatry. According to the DSM 5, PNES are a subgroup of conversion disorders (CD), while the ICD 10 classifies PNES as dissociative disorders. The incidence of PNES is estimated to be in the range of 1.4-4.9/100,000/year, and the prevalence range is between 2 and 33 per 100,000. The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) has identified PNES as one of the 10 most critical neuropsychiatric conditions associated with epilepsy. Comorbidity between epilepsy and PNES, a condition leading to "dual diagnosis," is a serious diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for clinicians. The lack of prompt identification of PNES in epileptic patients can lead to potentially harmful increases in the dosage of anti-seizure drugs (ASD) as well as erroneous diagnoses of refractory epilepsy. Hence, pseudo-refractory epilepsy is the other critical side of the PNES coin as one out of four to five patients admitted to video-EEG monitoring units with a diagnosis of pharmaco-resistant epilepsy is later found to suffer from non-epileptic events. The majority of these events are of psychogenic origin. Thus, the diagnostic differentiation between pseudo and true refractory epilepsy is essential to prevent actions that lead to unnecessary treatments and ASD-related side effects as well as produce a negative impact on the patient's quality of life. In this article, we review and discuss recent evidence related to the neurobiology of PNES. We also provide an overview of the classifications and diagnostic steps that are employed in PNES management and dwell on the concept of pseudo-resistant epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fedele Dono
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Behavioral Neurology and Molecular Neurology Units, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Giacomo Evangelista
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Martina Di Pietro
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Claudia Carrarini
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Behavioral Neurology and Molecular Neurology Units, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Mirella Russo
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Behavioral Neurology and Molecular Neurology Units, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Camilla Ferrante
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefano L Sensi
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Behavioral Neurology and Molecular Neurology Units, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Institute for Mind Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Marco Onofrj
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, "G. D'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Behavioral Neurology and Molecular Neurology Units, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Alexithymia and self-harm: A review of nonsuicidal self-injury, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. Psychiatry Res 2020; 288:112920. [PMID: 32279008 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.112920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Suicide attempts are a significant global public health concern. Research into non-traditional factors, such as the presence of alexithymia, may shed light on the prediction of suicidal behaviours, which can aid intervention and prevention strategies. To ascertain whether alexithymia is a unique risk factor for suicide attempts, this article reviews the evidence on alexithymia related to suicidal ideation, attempts, and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). METHODS A literature search was conducted for original articles examining the general and psychiatric populations. RESULTS There is consistent evidence linking alexithymia with suicidal ideation and NSSI, but inconsistent evidence linking it to suicide attempts. CONCLUSION The relationship between alexithymia and suicidality seems to differ based on whether the research focuses on suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, or NSSI. The relationship between alexithymia and suicidality can be understood within the context of multiple code theory and childhood trauma. Future research should explore the whether alexithymia can reliably distinguish between those with a single attempt and those with multiple suicide attempts as well as alexithymia levels pre- and post-intervention with suicide-related behavior as outcomes in treatment studies.
Collapse
|
26
|
Chalah MA, Kauv P, Palm U, Lefaucheur JP, Hodel J, Créange A, Ayache SS. Deciphering the neural underpinnings of alexithymia in multiple sclerosis. Neurosci Lett 2020; 725:134894. [PMID: 32147502 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.134894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Alexithymia is a personality construct that could occur in up to 53 % of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). It entails difficulties in identifying and describing one's feelings and an externally oriented thinking. The current work aims to assess the neural underpinnings of alexithymia in this population. METHODS Forty-five patients with MS filled in the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (n = 17 with high alexithymia and n = 28 with low alexithymia). Brain magnetic resonance imaging was obtained for each patient and a morphometry algorithm (MorphoBox) was applied to calculate regional brain volumes. All patients underwent a clinical and neuropsychological evaluation which included measures for anxiety, depression, fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and basic and social cognition. RESULTS Compared to patients with low alexithymia, patients with high alexithymia had significantly higher fatigue and depression ratings, and lower empathy scores. In addition, they had lower volumes of corpus callosum, deep white matter, pallidum bilaterally, and left thalamus. In the whole cohort, alexithymia scores were inversely correlated with gray matter (thalamus and pallidum bilaterally) and white matter volumes (corpus callosum and bilateral deep white matter) after controlling for covariates (ps<0.05). CONCLUSION This study offers insights on the neuropsychological and neural substrates of alexithymia in MS. The current findings are consistent with alexithymia reports in other clinical populations, and suggest an association between alexithymia and atrophy of thalami, pallidum, corpus callosum and deep white matter in MS. Further research is needed to enhance the understanding of alexithymia mechanisms in this clinical context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moussa A Chalah
- EA 4391, Excitabilité Nerveuse et Thérapeutique, Université Paris-Est-Créteil, Créteil, France; Service de Physiologie - Explorations Fonctionnelles, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France
| | - Paul Kauv
- EA 4391, Excitabilité Nerveuse et Thérapeutique, Université Paris-Est-Créteil, Créteil, France; Service de Neuroradiologie, Hôpital Henri-Mondor, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France
| | - Ulrich Palm
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; Medical Park Chiemseeblick, Bernau, Germany
| | - Jean-Pascal Lefaucheur
- EA 4391, Excitabilité Nerveuse et Thérapeutique, Université Paris-Est-Créteil, Créteil, France; Service de Physiologie - Explorations Fonctionnelles, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France
| | - Jérôme Hodel
- EA 4391, Excitabilité Nerveuse et Thérapeutique, Université Paris-Est-Créteil, Créteil, France; Service de Neuroradiologie, Hôpital Henri-Mondor, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France
| | - Alain Créange
- EA 4391, Excitabilité Nerveuse et Thérapeutique, Université Paris-Est-Créteil, Créteil, France; Service de Neurologie, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France
| | - Samar S Ayache
- EA 4391, Excitabilité Nerveuse et Thérapeutique, Université Paris-Est-Créteil, Créteil, France; Service de Physiologie - Explorations Fonctionnelles, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
de Bruin PMJ, de Haan HA, Kok T. The prediction of alexithymia as a state or trait characteristic in patients with substance use disorders and PTSD. Psychiatry Res 2019; 282:112634. [PMID: 31757640 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2019.112634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Alexithymia is common in patients with a substance use disorder (SUD) and is possibly a negative prognostic factor in their treatment. The aim of this study was twofold. First, we explored whether SUD patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are more alexithymic than SUD patients without PTSD. Next, we explored whether trait and state-related parts of alexithymia could be differentiated in these patients. This phenomenon was studied in 197 SUD patients with the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20); Clinician Administered PTSD Scale; Self-Report Inventory for PTSD; Traumatic Experiences Checklist; European Addiction Severity Index; and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale in a cross-sectional design. SUD patients with current PTSD showed more alexithymic characteristics than patients without PTSD or with previous lifetime/not current PTSD. The severity of PTSD complaints; alcohol addiction; and the combination of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms, all of which are more related to alexithymia as a state, explained 38.1% of the TAS-20. In conclusion, we advise that SUD patients be assessed for alexithymia and that its degree is taken into account. We also tentatively assume that a considerable part of alexithymia is more state- than trait-related in these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peggy M J de Bruin
- Tactus Addiction Treatment, P.O. Box 154, 7400 AD Deventer, the Netherlands.
| | - Hein A de Haan
- Tactus Addiction Treatment, P.O. Box 154, 7400 AD Deventer, the Netherlands; Nijmegen Institute for Scientist-Practitioners in Addiction, 6500 HE Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Tim Kok
- Tactus Addiction Treatment, P.O. Box 154, 7400 AD Deventer, the Netherlands; Nijmegen Institute for Scientist-Practitioners in Addiction, 6500 HE Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Riadh O, Naoufel O, Rejeb MRB, Le Gall D. Neuro-cognitive correlates of alexithymia in patients with circumscribed prefrontal cortex damage. Neuropsychologia 2019; 135:107228. [PMID: 31634488 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2019.107228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Alexithymia has been extensively reported in studies of psychiatric patients. However, little attention has been paid regarding its occurrence in the context of patients with circumscribed prefrontal cortex lesions. Moreover, the neuro-cognitive impairments that lead to alexithymia remain unclear and limited numbers of studies have addressed these issues. The authors investigated the impact of prefrontal cortex lesions on alexithymia and its neuro-cognitive correlates in a population of 20 patients with focal frontal lesions, 10 patients with parietal lesions and 34 matched control participants. Alexithymia was screened using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and executive functions were assessed using a large battery of executive tasks that address inhibition, flexibility and the planning process. Results showed that patients with prefrontal cortex damage showed significantly increased difficulty in facets of identifying feelings (DIF) and externally oriented thinking (EOT) on TAS-20, compared to parietal patients and control participants. Moreover, both correlation and regression analysis revealed that higher alexithymia levels on the three facets of TAS-20 were consistently but differentially associated with impairment in inhibition, flexibility and planning tasks for frontal patients and both control groups. These findings provide clinical evidence of the implication of prefrontal cortex damage and executive control in alexithymia. Our results were also discussed in the light of the cognitive appraisal concept as a mechanism involved in emotion episode processing. This study suggests that increased neuropsychological attention should be directed to the relation between the neuro-cognitive model of executive functions and cognitive appraisal theory in processing emotion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ouerchefani Riadh
- University of Tunis El Manar, High Institute of Human Sciences, 26 Boulevard Darghouth Pacha, Tunis, Tunisia; University of Angers, Laboratory of Psychology of Pays de La Loire (EA 4638), 5 Bis, Boulevard Lavoisier, 49045, Angers, Cedex 01, France.
| | - Ouerchefani Naoufel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Foch Hospital, 40 Rue Worth, 92151, Suresnes, France.
| | - Mohamed Riadh Ben Rejeb
- University of Tunis I, Faculty of Human and Social Science of Tunisia, Boulvard 9 Avril, C.P. 1007, Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Didier Le Gall
- University of Angers, Laboratory of Psychology of Pays de La Loire (EA 4638), 5 Bis, Boulevard Lavoisier, 49045, Angers, Cedex 01, France.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Zucchelli MM, Starita F, Bertini C, Giusberti F, Ciaramelli E. Intentionality attribution and emotion: The Knobe Effect in alexithymia. Cognition 2019; 191:103978. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cognition.2019.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
30
|
Hadji-Michael M, McAllister E, Reilly C, Heyman I, Bennett S. Alexithymia in children with medically unexplained symptoms: a systematic review. J Psychosom Res 2019; 123:109736. [PMID: 31376873 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2019.109736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Adult research investigating the link between alexithymia and medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) has found a significant relationship between increased alexithymia and MUS. This difficulty in expressing emotions is likely to begin in childhood so the objective of this paper is to present a quantitative review of studies focussing on the association between MUS and alexithymia in children. METHODS Databases were searched with predefined terms relating to alexithymia and MUS in children (0-17 years). Two reviewers independently assessed abstracts, extracted data and undertook quality analyses. Systematic review methods were used in accordance with Cochrane guidelines. RESULTS Ten studies met the criteria for inclusion in the review. Seven of the eight studies which focused on a comparison between children with MUS and healthy controls, found higher levels of self-reported alexithymia in the children with MUS. However, in the two studies where children were asked to complete tasks that objectively measure alexithymia, significant differences were not found. Results of studies comparing alexithymia in children with MUS and children with medical/psychiatric controls were inconsistent; there was some evidence of increased anxiety and depression in young people with alexithymia and MUS but inconsistency of measures across studies makes drawing conclusions difficult. CONCLUSION There is preliminary evidence that children with MUS have significantly higher levels of alexithymia than controls based on self-report measures; however, this finding was not replicated in objective tasks of alexithymia. Future studies should include validated tasks that objectively measure emotion recognition abilities and focus on possible mediating factors such as neurodevelopmental and mental health difficulties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Hadji-Michael
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (ICH),30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK; Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, UK.
| | - Eve McAllister
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (ICH),30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK; Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Colin Reilly
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (ICH),30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK; Research Department, Young Epilepsy, Lingfield, Surrey RH7 6PW, UK
| | - Isobel Heyman
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (ICH),30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK; Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Sophie Bennett
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (ICH),30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK; Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Bivona U, Costa A, Contrada M, Silvestro D, Azicnuda E, Aloisi M, Catania G, Ciurli P, Guariglia C, Caltagirone C, Formisano R, Prigatano GP. Depression, apathy and impaired self-awareness following severe traumatic brain injury: a preliminary investigation. Brain Inj 2019; 33:1245-1256. [PMID: 31304792 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2019.1641225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Primary Objective: The primary aim of this study was to determine the frequency of severe impaired self-awareness (ISA) in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the correlates of selected clinical, neuropsychiatric and cognitive variables. The secondary aim of the study was to assess depression and apathy on the basis of their level of self-awareness. Methods: Thirty patients with severe TBI and 30 demographically matched healthy control subjects (HCs) were compared on measures of ISA, depression, anxiety, alexithymia, neuropsychiatric symptoms and cognitive flexibility. Results: Twenty percent of the patients demonstrated severe ISA. Severe post-acute ISA was associated with more severe cognitive inflexibility, despite the absence of differences in TBI severity, as evidenced by a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score lower than 9 in all cases in the acute phase. Patients with severe ISA showed lower levels of depression and anxiety but tended to show more apathy and to have greater difficulty describing their emotional state than patients with severe TBI who showed minimal or no disturbance in self-awareness. Conclusion: These findings support the general hypothesis that severe ISA following severe TBI is typically not associated with depression and anxiety, but rather with apathy and cognitive inflexibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- U Bivona
- a IRCCS, Santa Lucia Foundation , Rome , Italy
| | - A Costa
- b Unicusano University , Rome , Italy
| | - M Contrada
- a IRCCS, Santa Lucia Foundation , Rome , Italy
| | - D Silvestro
- a IRCCS, Santa Lucia Foundation , Rome , Italy
| | - E Azicnuda
- a IRCCS, Santa Lucia Foundation , Rome , Italy
| | - M Aloisi
- a IRCCS, Santa Lucia Foundation , Rome , Italy
| | - G Catania
- a IRCCS, Santa Lucia Foundation , Rome , Italy
| | - P Ciurli
- a IRCCS, Santa Lucia Foundation , Rome , Italy
| | - C Guariglia
- a IRCCS, Santa Lucia Foundation , Rome , Italy.,c Sapienza University , Rome , Italy
| | - C Caltagirone
- a IRCCS, Santa Lucia Foundation , Rome , Italy.,d Tor Vergata University , Rome , Italy
| | - R Formisano
- a IRCCS, Santa Lucia Foundation , Rome , Italy
| | - G P Prigatano
- e Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center , Phoenix , AZ , USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Hobson H, Brewer R, Catmur C, Bird G. The Role of Language in Alexithymia: Moving Towards a Multiroute Model of Alexithymia. EMOTION REVIEW 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/1754073919838528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Alexithymia is characterized by difficulty identifying and describing one’s own emotion. Identifying and describing one’s emotion involves several cognitive processes, so alexithymia may result from a number of impairments. Here we propose the alexithymia language hypothesis—the hypothesis that language impairment can give rise to alexithymia—and critically review relevant evidence from healthy populations, developmental disorders, adult-onset illness, and acquired brain injury. We conclude that the available evidence is supportive of the alexithymia–language hypothesis, and therefore that language impairment may represent one of multiple routes to alexithymia. Where evidence is lacking, we outline which approaches will be useful in testing this hypothesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Hobson
- Department of Psychology, Social Work & Counselling, University of Greenwich, UK
| | - Rebecca Brewer
- Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway University of London, UK
| | - Caroline Catmur
- Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, King’s College London, UK
| | - Geoffrey Bird
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, UK
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Deckert M, Schmoeger M, Auff E, Willinger U. Subjective emotional arousal: an explorative study on the role of gender, age, intensity, emotion regulation difficulties, depression and anxiety symptoms, and meta-emotion. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2019; 84:1857-1876. [PMID: 31098662 PMCID: PMC7478944 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-019-01197-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Subjective emotional arousal in typically developing adults was investigated in an explorative study. 177 participants (20-70 years) rated facial expressions and words for self-experienced arousal and perceived intensity, and completed the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS-D). Exclusion criteria were psychiatric or neurological diseases, or clinically relevant scores in the HADS-D. Arousal regarding faces and words was significantly predicted by emotional clarity. Separate analyses showed following significant results: arousal regarding faces and arousal regarding words constantly predicted each other; negative faces were predicted by age and intensity; neutral faces by gender and impulse control; positive faces by gender and intensity; negative words by emotional clarity; and neutral words by gender. Males showed higher arousal scores than females regarding neutral faces and neutral words; for the other arousal scores, no explicit group differences were shown. Cluster analysis yielded three distinguished emotional characteristics groups: "emotional difficulties disposition group" (mainly females; highest emotion regulation difficulties, depression and anxiety scores; by trend highest arousal), "low emotional awareness group" (exclusively males; lowest awareness regarding currently experienced emotions; by trend intermediate arousal), and a "low emotional difficulties group" (exclusively females; lowest values throughout). No age effect was shown. Results suggest that arousal elicited by facial expressions and words are specialized parts of a greater emotional processing system and that typically developing adults show some kind of stable, modality-unspecific dispositional baseline of emotional arousal. Emotional awareness and clarity, and impulse control probably are trait aspects of emotion regulation that influence emotional arousal in typically developing adults and can be regarded as aspects of meta-emotion. Different emotional personality styles were shown between as well as within gender groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Deckert
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michaela Schmoeger
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Eduard Auff
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrike Willinger
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
A Comparison Among the Prevalence of Alexithymia in Patients With Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures, Epilepsy, and the Healthy Population: A Systematic Review of the Literature. PSYCHOSOMATICS 2019; 60:238-245. [DOI: 10.1016/j.psym.2019.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
35
|
Demers LA, Schreiner MW, Hunt RH, Mueller BA, Klimes-Dougan B, Thomas KM, Cullen KR. Alexithymia is associated with neural reactivity to masked emotional faces in adolescents who self-harm. J Affect Disord 2019; 249:253-261. [PMID: 30780118 PMCID: PMC6724702 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.02.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a major, trans-diagnostic mental health problem among adolescents. Alexithymia has been identified as a developmental risk factor for NSSI. Research on how alexithymia relates to the neurobiology of automatic emotion processing is only beginning to emerge. This study evaluates the relationship between alexithymic features and neural responses to automatic processing of emotional content in adolescents with NSSI. METHODS 25 female adolescents (ages 13-21) with a history of repeated engagement in NSSI completed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale and the Difficulties with Emotion Regulation Scale and underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during a task in which participants were exposed to masked emotions. RESULTS One facet of alexithymia, limited internal emotion awareness or externally-oriented thinking (EOT), was related to differential reactivity to masked emotional faces in clusters in the right supramarginal gyrus and right inferior frontal gyrus. Follow-up assessment of regional reactivity revealed that greater EOT is associated with lower activation to masked happy faces but higher activation to masked fearful faces. Other facets of alexithymia did not show relationships with reactivity to masked emotional faces. LIMITATIONS This is a cross-sectional and small sample that only includes females, which may attenuate generalizability of findings. CONCLUSIONS We report neural correlates of multiple facets of alexithymia in adolescents with NSSI. Among adolescents who self-harm, those with higher levels of EOT may be less alert to subtle positively-valenced emotion cues. For this subset of adolescents with NSSI, interventions designed to enhance mental representation of emotional responses and attention to positive emotions may be appropriate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Demers
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota College of Education and Human Development, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| | | | - Ruskin H Hunt
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota College of Education and Human Development, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Bryon A Mueller
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Bonnie Klimes-Dougan
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Kathleen M Thomas
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota College of Education and Human Development, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Kathryn R Cullen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Chalah MA, Kauv P, Créange A, Hodel J, Lefaucheur JP, Ayache SS. Neurophysiological, radiological and neuropsychological evaluation of fatigue in multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2019; 28:145-152. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2018.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
37
|
Sopp MR, Brueckner AH, Michael T. The Prospective Influence of Trait Alexithymia on Intrusive Memories: What Is the Role of Emotional Recognition Memory? Front Psychol 2019; 9:2642. [PMID: 30670997 PMCID: PMC6331440 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often considered to be a disorder of memory as patients suffer from fragmented uncontrollable memories (intrusions) whilst experiencing difficulties in intentionally retrieving details of the traumatic event. Recent research suggests that trait-related deficits in the identification of emotional states (alexithymia) may impact emotional memory processes in a way that promotes intrusion formation in PTSD. Therefore, we investigated the influence of alexithymia on intrusive re-experiencing and emotional recognition memory in a prospective analog study. Twenty-six healthy participants took part in a laboratory experiment, which combined two independent paradigms. Participants were exposed to a traumatic film (first session) and completed an episodic memory task comprising neutral and emotional stimuli (second session). In between sessions, participants recorded intrusive memories of the film. Individuals with higher trait alexithymia (HTA) reported an increased number of intrusions on the day of film presentation. Moreover, analyses of memory performance revealed a negative correlation between alexithymia and emotional recognition memory. Further analyses suggest that reduced emotional recognition memory, as evident in individuals with HTA, may, in turn, be associated with enhanced intrusive re-experiencing. As such, the current findings provide first indications regarding the role of alexithymia in emotional learning and PTSD. Future studies should further investigate these associations as well as potential implications for the treatment of PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. Roxanne Sopp
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Kindler S, Schwahn C, Terock J, Mksoud M, Bernhardt O, Biffar R, Völzke H, Metelmann HR, Grabe HJ. Alexithymia and temporomandibular joint and facial pain in the general population. J Oral Rehabil 2018; 46:310-320. [PMID: 30472782 DOI: 10.1111/joor.12748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Associations of alexithymia with temporomandibular pain disorders (TMD), facial pain, head pain and migraine have been described, but the role of the different dimensions of alexithymia in pain development remained incompletely understood. OBJECTIVES We sought to investigate the associations of alexithymia and its subfactors with signs of TMD and with facial pain, head pain and migraine in the general population. METHODS A total of 1494 subjects from the general population completed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20) and underwent a clinical functional examination with palpation of the temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscles. Facial pain, migraine and head pain were defined by questionnaire. A set of logistic regression analyses was applied with adjustment for age, sex, education, number of traumatic events, depressive symptoms and anxiety. RESULTS Alexithymia was associated with TMD joint pain (Odds Ratio 2.63; 95% confidence interval 1.60-4.32 for 61 TAS-20 points vs the median of the TAS-20 score) and with facial pain severity (Odds Ratio 3.22; 95% confidence interval 1.79-5.79). Differential effects of the subfactors were discovered with difficulties in identifying feelings as main predictor for joint, facial, and head pain, and externally oriented thinking (EOT) as U-shaped and strongest predictor for migraine. CONCLUSION Alexithymia was moderately to strongly associated with signs and symptoms of TMD. These results should encourage dental practioners using the TAS-20 in clinical practice, to screen TMD, facial or head pain patients for alexithymia and could also help treating alexithymic TMD, facial or head pain patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Kindler
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery / Plastic Surgery, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Christian Schwahn
- Department of Prosthodontics, Gerodontology and Biomaterials, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Jan Terock
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Helios Hanseklinikum, University Medicine Greifswald, Stralsund, Germany
| | - Maria Mksoud
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery / Plastic Surgery, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Olaf Bernhardt
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, Periodontology and Endodontology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Reiner Biffar
- Department of Prosthodontics, Gerodontology and Biomaterials, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Henry Völzke
- Institute of Community Medicine, Section Epidemiology of Health Care and Community Health, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Hans Robert Metelmann
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery / Plastic Surgery, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Hans Jörgen Grabe
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Williams C, Wood RL, Howe H. Alexithymia is associated with aggressive tendencies following traumatic brain injury. Brain Inj 2018; 33:1-9. [PMID: 30373401 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2018.1531302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Aggressive behavior is a frequent legacy of traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study explores the question of how alexithymia, which is associated with deficits in social cognition and empathy, may predispose individuals to aggressive tendencies after head trauma. METHOD A total of 47 individuals referred for routine neuropsychological assessment and advice on the management of long-term neuropsychological sequelae after TBI and 72 demographically matched controls completed the 20-Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and Buss Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ; self and proxy). RESULTS The incidence of alexithymia and aggressive tendencies was significantly higher in the group with TBI. After controlling for covariates, alexithymia explained an additional 29% of variance in BPAQ total scores in the group with TBI and 11.1% in the control group. Of the three TAS-20 sub-scales, 'difficulty describing feelings' emerged as a consistent unique predictor of aggression scores. CONCLUSIONS Higher levels of alexithymia are associated with greater aggressive tendencies post-TBI. The findings offer important theoretical and empirical insights into the prediction of aggression after TBI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Williams
- a Department of Psychology, College of Human and Health Sciences , Swansea University , Swansea , Wales , UK
| | | | - Holly Howe
- a Department of Psychology, College of Human and Health Sciences , Swansea University , Swansea , Wales , UK
- c Neurodevelopment Assessment Unit , Cardiff University , Cardiff , Wales , UK
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
An Initial Study of Alexithymia and Its Relationship With Cognitive Abilities Among Mild Cognitive Impairment, Mild Alzheimer's Disease, and Healthy Volunteers. J Nerv Ment Dis 2018; 206:628-636. [PMID: 30020208 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000000853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The present study examined the degree to which alexithymia is greater in mild Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) relative to healthy volunteers (healthy comparison [HC]), and investigated relationships between alexithymia and cognition. Eighty-five participants (MCI = 30, AD = 21, HC = 34) underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological examination and completed the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). Relative to HC, MCI and AD reported greater alexithymia total scores and higher scores on the TAS factor difficulty in identifying feelings (DIF). The remaining two factors, difficulty in describing feelings (DDF) and externally oriented thinking showed no significant group differences. In MCI, TAS-20 and DIF were negatively correlated with working and long-term verbal memory. In AD, TAS-20 was negatively correlated with general cognition, attention, memory, and visual spatial constructive and executive abilities. Also in AD, DIF was negatively correlated with general cognition, memory, and executive abilities. The correlation between DIF and long-term verbal memory in both MCI and AD suggests a potential common mechanism for alexithymia in these neurocognitive disorders. Declines in verbal memory may hinder a patient's ability to recall an association between a given sensation and the episodic experience of that sensation, thus leading to difficulty identifying feelings, as measured by the DIF factor of the TAS-20.
Collapse
|
41
|
Benbrika S, Doidy F, Carluer L, Mondou A, Buhour MS, Eustache F, Viader F, Desgranges B. Alexithymia in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Its Neural Correlates. Front Neurol 2018; 9:566. [PMID: 30087649 PMCID: PMC6066614 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a severe neurodegenerative disease that causes progressive and extensive motor deficits. Patients may also have cognitive impairments or alteration of emotional processing. Very few studies, however, have looked at deficits in how they experience their own feelings (alexithymia). Methods: We assessed alexithymia in 28 patients with ALS using the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), comparing them with a control group matched for sex, age, and education level. We took into account both the total score of the TAS-20 and its three subscores corresponding to the three dimensions of alexithymia: Difficulty Identifying Feelings (DIF), Difficulty Describing Feelings (DDF), and Externally Oriented Thinking (EOT). Patients also underwent a neuropsychological assessment and anatomical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in order to correlate cognitive performances and gray matter volume and level of alexithymia. Results: On average, ALS subjects had a significantly higher total score and DIF sub-score of the TAS-20 than controls indicating an increased alexithymia in patients. Total and DIF Scores correlated significantly and negatively to gray matter volume of the prefrontal cortex, right superior temporal pole and parahippocampal gyri. No correlations were found between scores on executive functions and those on the TAS-20. Conclusion: The first stage of one's own emotional processing seems to be affected in ALS independently of executive dysfunction. This trouble seems to be underpinned by cerebral regions that are well known to be both implicated in alexithymia in healthy subjects and altered in ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soumia Benbrika
- Neuropsychology and Imaging of Human Memory, Caen-Normandy University, PSL Research University, EPHE, INSERM, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
| | - Franck Doidy
- Neuropsychology and Imaging of Human Memory, Caen-Normandy University, PSL Research University, EPHE, INSERM, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
| | - Laurence Carluer
- Neuropsychology and Imaging of Human Memory, Caen-Normandy University, PSL Research University, EPHE, INSERM, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
| | - Audrey Mondou
- Neuropsychology and Imaging of Human Memory, Caen-Normandy University, PSL Research University, EPHE, INSERM, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
| | - Marie-Sonia Buhour
- Neuropsychology and Imaging of Human Memory, Caen-Normandy University, PSL Research University, EPHE, INSERM, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
| | - Francis Eustache
- Neuropsychology and Imaging of Human Memory, Caen-Normandy University, PSL Research University, EPHE, INSERM, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
| | - Fausto Viader
- Neuropsychology and Imaging of Human Memory, Caen-Normandy University, PSL Research University, EPHE, INSERM, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
| | - Béatrice Desgranges
- Neuropsychology and Imaging of Human Memory, Caen-Normandy University, PSL Research University, EPHE, INSERM, Caen University Hospital, Caen, France
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Popkirov S, Flasbeck V, Schlegel U, Juckel G, Brüne M. Alexithymia in borderline personality disorder is not associated with deficits in automatic visual processing of negative emotional stimuli. Psychiatry Res 2018; 263:121-124. [PMID: 29547729 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that alexithymia may be related to impairments in automatic emotion processing. While it is well established that alexithymia is highly prevalent in individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD), it is unknown whether this is reflected by an altered automatic processing of emotional stimuli. In the present study we investigated visually evoked event-related potentials using neutral and negative images from the International Affective Pictures System in 26 BPD patients and 26 healthy controls. In line with previous reports, all subjects showed increased late positive potentials (LPP) for negative compared to neutral images. There were, however, no between-group differences at any time point. Crucially, there was no difference between alexithymic and non-alexithymic BPD patients in the expression of LPP. Our study is the first to show that automatic emotion processing in the visual domain appears to be normal in BPD and unaffected by alexithymia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stoyan Popkirov
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany.
| | - Vera Flasbeck
- LWL University Hospital Bochum, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, Ruhr-University, Bochum, Germany; LWL University Hospital Bochum, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, Division of Cognitive Neuropsychiatry and Psychiatric Preventive Medicine, Ruhr-University, Bochum, Germany
| | - Uwe Schlegel
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - Georg Juckel
- LWL University Hospital Bochum, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, Ruhr-University, Bochum, Germany
| | - Martin Brüne
- LWL University Hospital Bochum, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, Ruhr-University, Bochum, Germany; LWL University Hospital Bochum, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, Division of Cognitive Neuropsychiatry and Psychiatric Preventive Medicine, Ruhr-University, Bochum, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Natalucci G, Faedda N, Calderoni D, Cerutti R, Verdecchia P, Guidetti V. Headache and Alexithymia in Children and Adolescents: What Is the Connection? Front Psychol 2018; 9:48. [PMID: 29449820 PMCID: PMC5799825 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Headache is one of the most common complaints in children and adolescents and comorbidity rates are very high and the major associated diseases are depression, anxiety, atopic disorders, sleep, and behavioral disorders. In recent years, it has been highlighted that difficulties regulating emotions such as alexithymia have also been associated with diagnosis of somatization. Methods: We carried out a mini review analyzing the relation between alexithymia and primary headache (e.g., migraine and tension type headache) in children and adolescents by synthesizing the relevant studies in the literature on PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar. Search terms were "alexithymia" combined with the "primary headache," "migraine," "tension type headache," "children," and "adolescents." Results: All analyzed studies found higher levels of alexithymia in children and adolescents with headache than control groups but there are different opinions about the relationship between headache and alexithymia. For example, some studies suggest that the association between headache and alexithymia in children may be due to an incomplete development of emotive competency or a general immature cognitive development, instead other studies found a correlation between headache symptoms, insecure attachment, and alexithymia. There seems to be also differences between children with migraine compared to those with tension type headache (TTH). Conclusion: There are some studies on adults suffering from headache or migraine and alexithymia, but there is only a moderate amount of research on pediatric age with different opinions and theories about this relationship. Further studies on children and adolescents are necessary to effectively understand this relationship and to help children to reduce headache and improve emotional consciousness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Natalucci
- Department of Paediatric and Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Noemi Faedda
- Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Paediatric and Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Dario Calderoni
- Department of Paediatric and Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Cerutti
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Verdecchia
- Department of Paediatric and Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Guidetti
- Department of Paediatric and Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Tarantino S, Papetti L, De Ranieri C, Boldrini F, Rocco AM, D’Ambrosio M, Valeriano V, Battan B, Paniccia MF, Vigevano F, Gentile S, Valeriani M. Maternal Alexithymia and Attachment Style: Which Relationship with Their Children's Headache Features and Psychological Profile? Front Neurol 2018; 8:751. [PMID: 29403425 PMCID: PMC5786507 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2017.00751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A growing body of literature has shown an association between somatic symptoms and insecure "attachment style." In a recent study, we found a relationship between migraine severity, ambivalent attachment style, and psychological symptoms in children/adolescents. There is evidence that caregivers' attachment styles and their way of management/expression of emotions can influence children's psychological profile and pain expression. To date, data dealing with headache are scarce. Our aim was to study the role of maternal alexithymia and attachment style on their children's migraine severity, attachment style, and psychological profile. MATERIALS AND METHODS We enrolled 84 consecutive patients suffering from migraine without aura (female: 45, male: 39; mean age 11.8 ± 2.4 years). According to headache frequency, children/adolescents were divided into two groups: (1) high frequency (patients reporting from weekly to daily attacks), and (2) low frequency (patients having ≤3 episodes per month). We divided headache attacks intensity into two groups (mild and severe pain). SAFA "Anxiety," "Depression," and "Somatization" scales were used to explore children's psychological profile. To evaluate attachment style, the semi-projective test SAT for patients and ASQ Questionnaire for mothers were employed. Maternal alexithymia traits were assessed by TAS-20. RESULTS We found a significant higher score in maternal alexithymia levels in children classified as "ambivalent," compared to those classified as "avoiding" (Total scale: p = 0.011). A positive correlation has been identified between mother's TAS-20 Total score and the children's SAFA-A Total score (p = 0.026). In particular, positive correlations were found between maternal alexithymia and children's "Separation anxiety" (p = 0.009) and "School anxiety" (p = 0.015) subscales. Maternal "Externally-oriented thinking" subscale correlated with children's school anxiety (p = 0.050). Moreover, we found a correlation between TAS-20 Total score and SAFA-D "Feeling of guilt" subscale (p = 0.014). Our data showed no relationship between TAS-20 and ASQ questionnaires and children's migraine intensity and frequency. CONCLUSION Maternal alexithymia and attachment style have no impact on children's migraine severity. However, our results suggest that, although maternal alexithymic traits have no causative roles on children's migraine severity, they show a relationship with patients' attachment style and psychological symptoms, which in turn may impact on migraine severity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuela Tarantino
- Division of Neurology, Headache Center, Bambino Gesù Ospedale Pediatrico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Papetti
- Division of Neurology, Headache Center, Bambino Gesù Ospedale Pediatrico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Cristiana De Ranieri
- Unit of Clinical Psychology, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Boldrini
- Unit of Clinical Psychology, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Maria Rocco
- Unit of Clinical Psychology, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Monica D’Ambrosio
- Unit of Clinical Psychology, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Valeriano
- Unit of Clinical Psychology, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Battan
- Division of Neurology, Headache Center, Bambino Gesù Ospedale Pediatrico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | | | - Federico Vigevano
- Division of Neurology, Headache Center, Bambino Gesù Ospedale Pediatrico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Simonetta Gentile
- Unit of Clinical Psychology, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Valeriani
- Division of Neurology, Headache Center, Bambino Gesù Ospedale Pediatrico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
- Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: A disconnect between body and mind. Epilepsy Behav 2018; 78:293-294. [PMID: 29239801 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2017.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
46
|
Sacchinelli E, Piras F, Orfei MD, Banaj N, Salani F, Ciaramella A, Caltagirone C, Spalletta G, Bossù P. IL-18 Serum Levels and Variants of the Serotonin Transporter Gene Are Related to Awareness of Emotions in Healthy Subjects: A Preliminary Study. Neuroimmunomodulation 2018; 25:129-137. [PMID: 30326484 DOI: 10.1159/000492030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Interaction between the nervous and immune systems may influence emotions, ultimately affecting human health. Cytokines may play a role in developing emotional dysregulation as in alexithymia, a personality construct characterized by the subclinical inability to identify and describe emotions, often associated with several psychiatric and psychosomatic disorders. The proinflammatory cytokine IL-18, with a recognized role in brain functions, may influence serotonin metabolism and appears to be associated with alexithymia. Healthy individuals carrying the long allele (L) of the serotonin transporter gene polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR), and thus having lower concentrations of serotonin in the synaptic cleft, show a greater tendency toward alexithymia, with some gender differences. To explore a potential physiological interaction between IL-18, serotonin neurotransmission, and alexithymia, we investigated whether IL-18 serum levels and 5-HTTLPR are linked to alexithymic traits in healthy subjects. METHODS We measured IL-18 serum levels in 115 Italian-Caucasian healthy subjects genotyped for 5-HTTLPR allele variants, divided by gender and assessed for alexithymia scores using the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale. RESULTS IL-18 levels are significantly more elevated in individuals with the LL genotype (n = 25) than in carriers of the short allele (n = 90, p = 0.0073). Specifically, in LL males (n = 11), i.e., the group with the most relevant increase in IL-18, cytokine values positively correlated with difficulty identifying feelings, which is a component of alexithymia (r = 0.634, p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS These results indicate a possible novel interaction between IL-18 and the serotoninergic system to mediate emotional unawareness, suggesting putative biological predictors of emotional dysregulation, which in turn can act as a risk factor for a variety of medical conditions in susceptible subjects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabrizio Piras
- Neuropsychiatry Laboratory, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Nerisa Banaj
- Neuropsychiatry Laboratory, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Salani
- Experimental Neuropsychobiology Laboratory, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Ciaramella
- Experimental Neuropsychobiology Laboratory, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Caltagirone
- Clinical and Behavioral Neurology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Spalletta
- Neuropsychiatry Laboratory, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Paola Bossù
- Experimental Neuropsychobiology Laboratory, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Tatar A, Saltukoğlu G, Alioğlu S, Çimen S, Güven H, Ay ÇE. Measuring Alexithymia via Trait Approach-I: A Alexithymia Scale Item Selection and Formation of Factor Structure. Noro Psikiyatr Ars 2017; 54:216-224. [PMID: 29033633 DOI: 10.5152/npa.2017.12769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION It is not clear in the literature whether available instruments are sufficient to measure alexithymia because of its theoretical structure. Moreover, it has been reported that several measuring instruments are needed to measure this construct, and all the instruments have different error sources. The old and the new forms of Toronto Alexithymia Scale are the only instruments available in Turkish. Thus, the purpose of this study was to develop a new scale to measure alexithymia, selecting items and constructing the factor structure. METHODS A total of 1117 patients aged from 19 to 82 years (mean = 35.05 years) were included. A 100-item pool was prepared and applied to 628 women and 489 men. Data were analyzed using Explanatory Factor Analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, and Item Response Theory and 28 items were selected. The new form of 28 items was applied to 415 university students, including 271 women and 144 men aged from 18 to 30 (mean=21.44). RESULTS The results of Explanatory Factor Analysis revealed a five-factor construct of "Solving and Expressing Affective Experiences," "External Locused Cognitive Style," "Tendency to Somatize Affections," "Imaginary Life and Visualization," and "Acting Impulsively," along with a two-factor construct representing the "Affective" and "Cognitive" components. All the components of the construct showed good model fit and high internal consistency. The new form was tested in terms of internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and concurrent validity using Toronto Alexithymia Scale as criteria and discriminative validity using Five-Factor Personality Inventory Short Form. CONCLUSION The results showed that the new scale met the basic psychometric requirements. Results have been discussed in line with related studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arkun Tatar
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, USA
| | - Gaye Saltukoğlu
- Department of Psychology, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakıf University School of Literature, İstanbul, Turkey
| | | | | | - Hülya Güven
- Private Practice, Psychology, İstanbul, Turkey
| | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Chalah MA, Ayache SS. Alexithymia in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review of literature. Neuropsychologia 2017; 104:31-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2017.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/29/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
49
|
Trimmer E, McDonald S, Kelly M, Rushby JA. The Physiological and Psychological Effects of Ostracism in Adults with ASD. J Autism Dev Disord 2017; 47:2326-2335. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3146-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
|
50
|
Donges US, Suslow T. Alexithymia and automatic processing of emotional stimuli: a systematic review. Rev Neurosci 2017; 28:247-264. [DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2016-0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AbstractAlexithymia is a personality trait characterized by difficulties in recognizing and verbalizing emotions and the utilization of a cognitive style that is oriented toward external events, rather than intrapsychic experiences. Alexithymia is considered a vulnerability factor influencing onset and course of many psychiatric disorders. Even though emotions are, in general, elicited involuntarily and emerge without conscious effort, it is surprising that little attention in etiological considerations concerning alexithymia has been given to deficits in automatic emotion processing and their neurobiological bases. In this article, results from studies using behavioral or neurobiological research methods were systematically reviewed in which automatic processing of external emotional information was investigated as a function of alexithymia in healthy individuals. Twenty-two studies were identified through a literature search of Psycinfo, PubMed, and Web of Science databases from 1990 to 2016. The review reveals deficits in the automatic processing of emotional stimuli in alexithymia at a behavioral and neurobiological level. The vast majority of the reviewed studies examined visual processing. The alexithymia facets externally oriented thinking and difficulties identifying feelings were found to be related to impairments in the automatic processing of threat-related facial expressions. Alexithymic individuals manifest low reactivity to barely visible negative emotional stimuli in brain regions responsible for appraisal, encoding, and affective response, e.g. amygdala, occipitotemporal areas, and insula. Against this background, it appears plausible to assume that deficits in automatic emotion processing could be factors contributing to alexithymic personality characteristics. Directions for future research on alexithymia and automatic emotion perception are suggested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Uta-Susan Donges
- 1Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, University of Leipzig, Semmelweisstr 10, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
- 2Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Addiction Medicine, Martin Gropius Krankenhaus, Oderberger Straße 8, D-16225 Eberswalde, Germany
| | - Thomas Suslow
- 3Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, University of Leipzig, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|