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Huang C, Yuan Q, Shi S, Ge M, Sheng X, Yang M, Zhang L, Wang L, Zhang K, Zhou X. Associations between alexithymia, parental rearing styles, and frequency of drug use in male methamphetamine dependence patients. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:276. [PMID: 35439989 PMCID: PMC9020116 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-03897-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alexithymia, which is characterized by difficulty identifying and describing feelings, is a stable personality trait and it has been associated with early life experiences. Methamphetamine dependence patients with high level of alexithymia may be particularly vulnerable to engaging in more frequent methamphetamine use. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate whether alexithymia was associated with frequency of methamphetamine use. Additionally, the current study sought to examine early-life factors associated with the development of alexithymia, i.e., parental rearing styles. METHOD Participants were 108 non-injecting methamphetamine dependent patients from a male compulsory detoxification center. The level of alexithymia was assessed by Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20(TAS-20). In addition, we applied Egna Minneu av. Bardndosnauppforstran (EMBU) to assess the parental rearing styles, including the dimensions of warmth, rejection, punishment/strictness, overinvolvement, overprotection, and favoring. RESULTS The total score of TAS-20 was positively correlated with frequency of methamphetamine use (r = 0.26, p < 0.01). Specifically, except for externally oriented thinking, difficulty identifying feelings (r = 0.23, p < 0.05) and difficulty describing feelings (r = 0.25, p < 0.05) were positively correlated with frequency of methamphetamine use. Multiple linear regression showed that more maternal rejection (B = 0.59, p = 0.002), or less maternal warmth (B = -0.22, p = 0.004) was associated with higher levels of alexithymia. Ordinal logistic regression showed that for every 1 score increase in the total score of TAS-20, there was a 1.06 times risk of a one level increase in the level of methamphetamine use frequency (OR = 1.06, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS These results have major implications for understanding the role of alexithymia in craving and addiction, while providing a further and explicit entry point for addiction treatment. Moreover, more attention should be focused on parenting in relation to early experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui Huang
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XSchool of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, 69 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui Province China ,grid.459419.4Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 64 North Chaohu Road, Chaohu City, Hefei, 238000 China ,Anhui Psychiatric Center, 64 North Chaohu Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 238000 China
| | - Qiuyu Yuan
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XSchool of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, 69 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui Province China ,grid.459419.4Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 64 North Chaohu Road, Chaohu City, Hefei, 238000 China ,Anhui Psychiatric Center, 64 North Chaohu Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 238000 China
| | - Shengya Shi
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XSchool of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, 69 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui Province China ,grid.459419.4Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 64 North Chaohu Road, Chaohu City, Hefei, 238000 China ,Anhui Psychiatric Center, 64 North Chaohu Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 238000 China
| | - Menglin Ge
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XSchool of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, 69 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui Province China ,grid.459419.4Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 64 North Chaohu Road, Chaohu City, Hefei, 238000 China ,Anhui Psychiatric Center, 64 North Chaohu Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 238000 China
| | - Xuanlian Sheng
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XSchool of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, 69 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui Province China ,grid.459419.4Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 64 North Chaohu Road, Chaohu City, Hefei, 238000 China ,Anhui Psychiatric Center, 64 North Chaohu Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 238000 China
| | - Meng Yang
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XSchool of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, 69 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui Province China ,grid.459419.4Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 64 North Chaohu Road, Chaohu City, Hefei, 238000 China ,Anhui Psychiatric Center, 64 North Chaohu Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 238000 China
| | - Ling Zhang
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XSchool of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, 69 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui Province China ,grid.459419.4Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 64 North Chaohu Road, Chaohu City, Hefei, 238000 China ,Anhui Psychiatric Center, 64 North Chaohu Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 238000 China
| | - Lei Wang
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XSchool of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, 69 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui Province China ,grid.459419.4Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 64 North Chaohu Road, Chaohu City, Hefei, 238000 China ,Anhui Psychiatric Center, 64 North Chaohu Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 238000 China
| | - Kai Zhang
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, 69 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China. .,Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 64 North Chaohu Road, Chaohu City, Hefei, 238000, China. .,Anhui Psychiatric Center, 64 North Chaohu Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 238000, China.
| | - Xiaoqin Zhou
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, 69 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China. .,Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 64 North Chaohu Road, Chaohu City, Hefei, 238000, China. .,Anhui Psychiatric Center, 64 North Chaohu Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 238000, China.
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Goerlich KS, Votinov M. Hormonal abnormalities in alexithymia. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1070066. [PMID: 36699481 PMCID: PMC9868825 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1070066] [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: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Alexithymia is a personality trait characterized by difficulties in emotion recognition and regulation that is associated with deficits in social cognition. High alexithymia levels are considered a transdiagnostic risk factor for a range of psychiatric and medical conditions, including depression, anxiety, and autism. Hormones are known to affect social-emotional cognition and behavior in humans, including the neuropeptides oxytocin and vasopressin, the steroid hormones testosterone and estradiol, the stress hormone cortisol as well as thyroid hormones. However, few studies have investigated hormonal effects on alexithymia and on alexithymia-related impairments in emotion regulation and reactivity, stress response, and social cognition. Here, we provide a brief overview of the evidence linking alexithymia to abnormalities in hormone levels, particularly with regard to cortisol and oxytocin, for which most evidence exists, and to thyroid hormones. We address the current lack of research on the influence of sex hormones on alexithymia and alexithymia-related deficits, and lastly provide future directions for research on associations between hormonal abnormalities and deficits in emotion regulation and social cognition associated with alexithymia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina S Goerlich
- Cognitive Neuroscience Center, Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Mikhail Votinov
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine 10, Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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Karaca Dinç P, Oktay S, Durak Batıgün A. Mediation role of alexithymia, sensory processing sensitivity and emotional-mental processes between childhood trauma and adult psychopathology: a self-report study. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:508. [PMID: 34654396 PMCID: PMC8520293 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03532-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is overwhelming evidence for a strong association between childhood trauma and adult psychopathology. This study aimed to investigate the mediation roles of alexithymia, sensory processing sensitivity, and emotional-mental processes in the relationship between childhood traumas and adult psychopathology. METHODS The sample consisted of 337 people (78.9% female, 21.1% male) aged between 20 and 64 years. Participants filled the scales online via a Google form. Reading Mind in the Eyes (EYES), Sensory Processing Sensitivity Scale (SPS), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-26), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) were used. PROCESS (Model 4) macro was used to examine the mediating role of sensory processing sensitivity, alexithymia, and the EYES test results in the relationship between childhood trauma and psychopathology. RESULTS The results of mediation analysis demonstrated that sensory processing sensitivity and alexithymia mediated the relationship between childhood trauma and adult psychopathology. However, the EYES test (mentalization) did not mediate in this relationship. CONCLUSION This study shows that childhood traumas may relate to more psychological symptoms in individuals with high sensory processing sensitivity and alexithymia. Our study may contribute to the understanding of what may lead to a person's vulnerability to experiencing psychological symptoms after childhood trauma. It may be crucial that future treatment and intervention programs should include sensory sensitivity and alexithymia. Sensory processing sensitivity and alexithymia can be examined in the treatment of psychological problems of individuals who have experienced childhood trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pelin Karaca Dinç
- Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Languages History and Geography, University of Ankara University, No:45-45/A 06100, Sıhhiye, Ankara, Turkey
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Meneguzzo P, Garolla A, Bonello E, Todisco P. Alexithymia, dissociation and emotional regulation in eating disorders: Evidence of improvement through specialized inpatient treatment. Clin Psychol Psychother 2021; 29:718-724. [PMID: 34432335 PMCID: PMC9291290 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The research into emotional regulation in eating disorders (EDs) has shown specific impairments and maladaptive coping strategies in patients, and there is an increasing interest in the role of the emotional domain in the treatment outcome. This study aims to evaluate the effect of a specialized inpatient treatment characterized by both an intensive and comprehensive standardized multidisciplinary programme based on cognitive–behavioural therapy and a flexible and personalized component implemented by third‐wave interventions. A cohort of 67 female ED patients (anorexia nervosa = 28, bulimia nervosa = 28 and binge eating disorder = 11) underwent an evaluation of emotional regulation difficulties, alexithymia and dissociative symptomatology at admission to a specialized ED ward. The psychological modifications were subsequently re‐evaluated upon discharge, after an inpatients treatment of 60 days, examining specific changes in the specific psychopathology. A significant improvement after specialized ED treatment was shown in alexithymia, emotional regulation difficulties and dissociation symptoms, with higher effect sizes in patients with higher alexithymia scores. As regards the specific effect of the psychological improvement, changes into alexithymia scores have shown specific correlations with ED psychopathology (p < 0.010) and with difficulties in emotional regulation (p < 0.010) in patients with higher alexithymia levels at admission. Emotional regulation and dissociation should therefore be evaluated in ED patients and may be improved with specific therapeutic approaches, while alexithymia remains a clinical trait, even with a significant reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Meneguzzo
- Eating Disorders Unit, Casa di Cura "Villa Margherita", Arcugnano, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alice Garolla
- Eating Disorders Unit, Casa di Cura "Villa Margherita", Arcugnano, Italy
| | - Elisa Bonello
- Eating Disorders Unit, Casa di Cura "Villa Margherita", Arcugnano, Italy
| | - Patrizia Todisco
- Eating Disorders Unit, Casa di Cura "Villa Margherita", Arcugnano, Italy
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Guilbaud O, Perrin C, Curt F, Chaouat G, Dugré-Le Bigre C, Strebler M, Touitou C, Corcos M. Decreased Immune Response in Alexithymic Women: A One-Year Longitudinal Study. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:756031. [PMID: 34987425 PMCID: PMC8721599 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.756031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although previous cross-sectional studies suggested significantly dysregulated immune response in alexithymia, there is a lack of longitudinal studies. We sought to determine the reliability of the reported relationship between alexithymia and decreased immune response in a longitudinal study. Thirty-eight healthy women who had participated in a cross-sectional study were recontacted 1-year later. Of this sample, 26 were finally included: 13 females who had been found to be alexithymic, and 13 females who were classified as non-alexithymic under the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale during the first phase of the study. A year later, they were still healthy women without any psychiatric disorders, their ages now ranging from 19 to 28 years old. Lymphocyte subset counts (CD4, CD8), in vitro production of interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10 by phytohemagglutinin stimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes, as well as serum cortisol levels, were compared between women with and without alexithymia. One-year later, alexithymic women still had significantly lowered in vitro production of IL-2 and IL-4, with lowered IL-2/IL-10 ratio and a reduced percentage of CD4. This is the first ever published study assessing cytokine production during a follow-up of alexithymics. Although our results should be interpreted with caution due the small sample size, they suggest a sustained reduction in both major type 1 and type 2 cytokines while the former seems to be more affected. The potential long-term health impact, if any, is still to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Guilbaud
- Département de Psychiatrie de l'Adolescent et du Jeune Adulte, Institut Mutualiste Montsouris, Paris, France.,Consultation Thérapeutique Enfants et Adolescent, Renens, Switzerland
| | - Claire Perrin
- Département de Psychiatrie de l'Adolescent et du Jeune Adulte, Institut Mutualiste Montsouris, Paris, France
| | - Florence Curt
- Département de Psychiatrie de l'Adolescent et du Jeune Adulte, Institut Mutualiste Montsouris, Paris, France
| | | | - Corinne Dugré-Le Bigre
- Département de Psychiatrie de l'Adolescent et du Jeune Adulte, Institut Mutualiste Montsouris, Paris, France
| | - Martine Strebler
- Département de Biologie de l'Institut Mutualiste Montsouris, Paris, France
| | - Catherine Touitou
- Département de Biologie de l'Institut Mutualiste Montsouris, Paris, France
| | - Maurice Corcos
- Département de Psychiatrie de l'Adolescent et du Jeune Adulte, Institut Mutualiste Montsouris, Paris, France
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