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Frontiers in Psychology 2023Interoceptive deficits are associated with difficulties in identifying and regulating emotions. However, research on interoception after acquired brain injury (ABI) is...
INTRODUCTION
Interoceptive deficits are associated with difficulties in identifying and regulating emotions. However, research on interoception after acquired brain injury (ABI) is scarce, and its relationship with emotional difficulties in this population is unknown. This study aimed to (1) examine differences in self-reported alexithymia, performance-based emotional awareness, emotion regulation, depression, and interoceptive sensibility between ABI and control individuals; and (2) analyze the role of adaptive interoceptive dimensions in these emotional processes after ABI.
METHODS
Forty-three individuals with ABI and 42 matched control individuals completed the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness-2, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, the Levels of Emotional Awareness Scale, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.
RESULTS
Compared to the control group, individuals with ABI showed reduced tendency to ignore unpleasant sensations increased severity of depressive symptoms, as well as tendencies to have greater difficulties in emotion regulation and lower emotional awareness. Additionally, interoceptive dimensions such as trusting, as well as not-distracting from and not-worrying about bodily sensations, played a relevant role in explaining lower alexithymia and difficulties in emotion regulation. Moreover, lower alexithymia and emotion dysregulation were related to less depressive symptoms. These relationships were invariant across ABI and control individuals.
DISCUSSION
Although individuals with ABI may have different levels of emotional abilities compared to non-ABI individuals, the relationship patterns between interoceptive and emotional processes appear to be similar between the two groups. This study suggests the potential benefit of addressing both interoceptive and emotional difficulties in treatments targeting such prevalent sequelae of ABI as depressive symptoms.
PubMed: 38179500
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1268926 -
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and... Jun 2024The current cross-sectional study was performed to examine levels of alexithymia and forgiveness in forensic psychiatric patients. Data were collected between March 2022...
The current cross-sectional study was performed to examine levels of alexithymia and forgiveness in forensic psychiatric patients. Data were collected between March 2022 and August 2022 at a high-security forensic psychiatric hospital affiliated with a city hospital in Turkey. A personal information form prepared by the researchers, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, and the Heartland Forgiveness Scale were used to obtain data. Participants comprised 132 forensic psychiatric patients who agreed to participate in the study. A significant negative correlation was found between alexithymia and forgiveness levels of participants ( < 0.01, = -0.259). In other words, as alexithymia levels increased, participants were found to be less forgiving. In addition, results suggest that forensic psychiatric patients are susceptible to alexithymia and higher levels of forgiveness. Determining forgiveness and alexithymia levels of forensic psychiatric patients will contribute to the structuring of care to be offered to these patients. [(6), 27-35.].
Topics: Humans; Affective Symptoms; Male; Turkey; Female; Cross-Sectional Studies; Adult; Forgiveness; Forensic Psychiatry; Middle Aged; Surveys and Questionnaires; Mental Disorders
PubMed: 37879088
DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20231018-03 -
Journal of Clinical Nursing Aug 2023Birthing individuals experience various postpartum symptoms which have been associated with adverse health outcomes. Previous systematic reviews have focused on the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Birthing individuals experience various postpartum symptoms which have been associated with adverse health outcomes. Previous systematic reviews have focused on the examination of individual symptoms and their impact on health, which have limited our understanding of postpartum symptom clusters.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the compositions of symptom clusters, analytic methodologies and predictors of symptom clusters in birthing individuals up to 1 year postpartum.
DESIGN
Systematic review.
METHODS
This systematic review was reported following the PRISMA. Five databases were searched: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL Complete, PsycINFO and Scopus. Two reviewers performed title and abstract and full-text screening independently. Standard Quality Assessment Criteria were used to assess the articles' qualities. Key information was extracted into evidence table, which was checked for accuracy and completeness. A narrative synthesis was conducted.
RESULTS
A total of 30 articles were included. Studies were conducted in 16 countries, mostly in Europe (n = 9) and North America (n = 7). The majority were quantitative (n = 27) and cross-sectional (n = 27). Factor analysis was the most frequently used analytic methodology (n = 21). All three qualitative studies used grounded theory. Taking into consideration the variations among the studies, stress (n = 15, infant or partner-related and from other sources), depression (n = 12), somatic (n = 12) and anxiety clusters (n = 10) were most frequently identified. Symptom cluster predictors were examined in less than half of the included studies (n = 13). Among these, most were focused on how individual postpartum symptoms influence symptom clusters.
CONCLUSIONS
Stress, depression, somatic and anxiety clusters are the most frequently identified postpartum symptom clusters. Future studies should examine the consistency, stability and clinical meaningfulness of these four symptom clusters.
RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE
The identification and management of the four symptom clusters should be of particular interest to clinicians and researchers.
NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION
This systematic review did not directly involve patient or public contribution to the manuscript.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Syndrome; Cross-Sectional Studies; Parturition; Postpartum Period; Anxiety
PubMed: 35995761
DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16494 -
Journal of Psychiatric Research Aug 2023Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often show limited empathy (poor recognition of others' emotions) and high alexithymia (poor recognition of own emotions...
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often show limited empathy (poor recognition of others' emotions) and high alexithymia (poor recognition of own emotions and external thinking), which can negatively impact their social functioning. Previous experimental studies suggest that alterations in cognitive flexibility play key roles in the development of these characteristics in ASD. However, the underlying neural mechanisms that link cognitive flexibility and empathy/alexithymia are still largely unknown. In this study, we examined the neural correlates of cognitive flexibility via functional magnetic resonance imaging during perceptual task-switching in typical development (TD) adults and adults with ASD. We also investigated associations between regional neural activity and psychometric empathy and alexithymia scores among these populations. In the TD group, stronger activation of the left middle frontal gyrus was associated with better perceptual switching and greater empathic concern. Among individuals with ASD, stronger activation of the left inferior frontal gyrus was associated with better perceptual switching, greater empathy, and lower alexithymia. These findings will contribute to develop a better understanding of social cognition, and could be informative for the development of new ASD therapies.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Empathy; Affective Symptoms; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Emotions; Frontal Lobe; Magnetic Resonance Imaging
PubMed: 37393797
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.06.035 -
Pain Management Nursing : Official... Aug 2023Alexithymia is more prevalent among those with patients living with chronic pain. Information on the prevalence of alexithymia in Chinese patients with chronic pain and... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
Alexithymia is more prevalent among those with patients living with chronic pain. Information on the prevalence of alexithymia in Chinese patients with chronic pain and associated factors is limited.
AIM
The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of alexithymia, as defined by a score of 61 or greater in the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), in a Chinese patient with chronic pain. The secondary objective was to investigate the relationship between alexithymia and the clinical and psychological aspects of chronic pain.
METHODS
A cross-sectional observational study used the TAS-20 to assess alexithymia of Chinese patients with chronic pain. Sociodemographic and clinical information were obtained and participants filled in the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and General Self-efficacy Scale.
RESULTS
Of the 346 patients screened, 321 patients living with chronic pain were enrolled into the study. The prevalence of alexithymia among the study population (TAS-20 score ≥61) was 19.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 15.3-24.0). The findings showed anxiety (odds ratio [OR] = 2.474; 95% CI, 1.241-4.935), pain catastrophizing (2.649; 1.014-6.921), and self-efficacy (0.952; 0.908-0.988) as independent predictors of alexithymia in patients living with chronic pain.
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with chronic pain exhibiting alexithymia were at higher risk of pain catastrophizing, anxiety, and lower self-efficacy, compared with patients without alexithymia. It is important to identify and pay a special attention in clinical practice to patients with chronic pain exhibiting alexithymia, as these individuals are unable to properly express their emotions.
Topics: Humans; Affective Symptoms; Cross-Sectional Studies; Chronic Pain; East Asian People; Emotions
PubMed: 36774311
DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2023.01.003 -
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2023Mental health difficulties commonly co-occur with autism, especially in autistic people accessing clinic services, impacting substantially on quality-of-life....
Mental health difficulties commonly co-occur with autism, especially in autistic people accessing clinic services, impacting substantially on quality-of-life. Alexithymia (difficulty describing/identifying feelings) and sensory processing differences are prevalent traits in autism that have been associated with depression/anxiety in autistic community samples. However, it is important to better understand interrelationships between these traits in clinical populations to improve identification of service-user needs. In this study, 190 autistic adults (65.3% male), seen in a tertiary autism clinic, completed self-report measures of alexithymia (20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale), sensory processing differences (Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile) and depression/anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Multiple linear regression models and mediation analyses were used to examine associations between alexithymia, sensory processing differences, and depression/anxiety severity. Across the sample, 66.3% of individuals ( = 126) were classified as alexithymic (score ≥ 61). Total alexithymia and difficulty describing/identifying feelings were significantly associated with depression severity (β = 0.30-0.38, highest < 0.002), and difficulty identifying feelings was significantly associated with anxiety severity (β = 0.36, < 0.001). Sensory processing differences were also significantly associated with depression severity (β = 0.29, = 0.002) and anxiety severity across all models (β = 0.34-0.48, highest < 0.001) Finally, difficulty describing/identifying feelings partially mediated the relationships between sensory processing differences and both depression/anxiety severity. Overall, these results highlight that interventions adapted for and targeting emotional awareness and sensory-related uncertainty may improve mental health outcomes in autistic service-users.
PubMed: 38132004
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11243114 -
Clinical Neuropsychiatry Aug 2023Alexithymic traits are associated with the difficulty of perceiving ', and are related to a problematic management of stressful life events (SLEs). The main purpose of...
OBJECTIVE
Alexithymic traits are associated with the difficulty of perceiving ', and are related to a problematic management of stressful life events (SLEs). The main purpose of this study was to quantify the psychological response of the general population to COVID-19 pandemic stress and to evaluate potential correlations with the presence of ' and ' (study protocol # 0077794/2022).
METHOD
175 subjects from general population were assessed with the Toronto-Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), the Event-Revised Impact Scale (IES-R), the Interoceptive Accuracy Scale (IAS), and the Interoceptive Confusion Questionnaire (ICQ).
RESULTS
a significant relationship emerged between alexithymic traits (assessed with the TAS-20), the ICQ '', and the domain of '' as assessed with IES-R. Logistic regression model showed that ICQ-Total Score and IES-R '' domain were significantly correlated with TAS-20 total score, with DR value (R2 corrected) explaining the 36.8% of the variability (standard error: 10.7).
CONCLUSIONS
This study, albeit with the limitations of a cross-sectional experimental design with self-evaluation tools in a general population sample, showed a vulnerability to COVID-19 pandemic stress due to high levels of hyper-arousal in subjects with alexithymic traits and interoceptive confusion.
PubMed: 37791080
DOI: 10.36131/cnfioritieditore20230405 -
Sleep Medicine Dec 2023Alexithymia, mood dysregulation, and sleep quality have complicated effects on children's development. The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between...
OBJECTIVES
Alexithymia, mood dysregulation, and sleep quality have complicated effects on children's development. The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between alexithymia, emotion regulation, psychiatric problems, and sleep problems among Egyptian school-aged children.
METHODS
A total of 564 Egyptian children, aged 6 to 14, were divided into two groups based on their total Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire abbreviated score: group 1 (N = 300) with sleep problems and group 2 (N = 264) with non-sleep problems. Their parents completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and subjectively assessed the children's emotions using the Children's Alexithymia Measure (CAM) and the Clinical Evaluation of Emotional Regulation-9 (CEER-9).
RESULTS
Males were more proportional in the sleep problems group than others. The sleep problem group was significantly younger and had a longer daily sleep duration than the non-sleep problem group. Alexithymia and emotion dysregulation had the highest mean in the sleep problem group. Furthermore, alexithymia, emotion dysregulation, emotion difficulty, conduct, and prosocial problems were the most significant contributing factors and risk factors for sleep problems in children.
CONCLUSION
Sleep problems in children were associated with younger male children with lengthy daily sleep duration and emotional, behavioural, and prosocial difficulties. Furthermore, alexithymia and emotion dysregulation are significant contributors and risk factors for sleep problems in school-aged children.
Topics: Humans; Male; Child; Affective Symptoms; Emotional Regulation; Emotions; Sleep Wake Disorders; Sleep; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 37806034
DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2023.09.032 -
Postepy Dermatologii I Alergologii Oct 2023Alexithymia is a psychological condition characterized by difficulty in identifying and expressing one's emotions, and it has been associated with several physical and...
INTRODUCTION
Alexithymia is a psychological condition characterized by difficulty in identifying and expressing one's emotions, and it has been associated with several physical and mental health disorders.
AIM
To determine the prevalence of alexithymia among patients with a range of chronic dermatological diseases in a Saudi public hospital.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
477 patients who were over 14 years old and affected by one of the following chronic skin conditions: psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, acne, alopecia areata, vitiligo, hidradenitis suppurativa, pemphigus vulgaris, chronic urticaria were included in this study. Alexithymia was assessed in these patients by using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS) which is a widely used, reliable and valid measure of this construct.
RESULTS
Prevalence of alexithymia among chronic dermatological disease patients ranges from 14.8% to 71.4%, with an overall occurrence of 43%. The highest prevalence of alexithymia was found in hidradenitis suppurativa (71.4%) and the lowest in acne (14.8%). Overall, the alexithymia cases were predominantly male (51.7%). The distribution of male and female cases with alexithymia varied among patients with different types of chronic skin diseases, with the highest male prevalence in psoriasis (58.7%) and the highest female prevalence in pemphigus vulgaris (66.7%).
CONCLUSIONS
Alexithymia is prevalent among patients with chronic dermatological diseases and dermatologists' awareness of how to identify and address alexithymia among their patients can play a vital role in improving treatment adherence and outcomes.
PubMed: 38028416
DOI: 10.5114/ada.2023.129944 -
BJPsych Open Feb 2024The prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents underscores the importance of understanding the complex factors that drive this behaviour. Framed...
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents underscores the importance of understanding the complex factors that drive this behaviour. Framed within broader constructs of emotional regulation theories, alexithymia and peer victimisation are thought to interact to influence NSSI behaviours.
AIM
This research addresses whether alexithymia and peer victimisation serve as risk factors for NSSI and, if so, how these factors interact with each other.
METHOD
This quantitative study analysed data from 605 adolescents, using a range of validated self-report measures including the Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Statistical analyses including one-way analysis of variance, multiple regression and structural equation modelling were employed to scrutinise the relationships among the variables.
RESULTS
Alexithymia and peer victimisation significantly predicted NSSI behaviours. Specifically, the 'difficulty in identifying feelings' subscale of alexithymia emerged as a noteworthy predictor of NSSI ( < 0.001). Peer victimisation mediated the relationship between alexithymia and NSSI, explaining approximately 24.50% of alexithymia's total effect on NSSI. In addition, age was a significant predictor of NSSI, but gender and education years were not ( > 0.05). These relationships were found to be invariant across genders.
CONCLUSIONS
This study enriches our understanding of the interplay between alexithymia, peer victimisation and NSSI, particularly within the Chinese context. Its findings have significant implications for a rethinking of alexithymia's theoretical construct and interventions targeting emotional literacy and peer dynamics among adolescents. Future research could benefit from a longitudinal design to establish causality.
PubMed: 38344860
DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2023.653