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Zheng X, Huang L, Xie Z, Peng L, Zhou X. Relationship Between Warm Childhood Memories and Mobile Phone Addiction: A Moderated Mediation Model. Psychol Rep 2024; 127:1085-1099. [PMID: 36269848 DOI: 10.1177/00332941221135479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Childhood experiences have an important effect on mobile phone addiction, but the relationship between positive childhood experiences and mobile phone addiction and its underlying mechanisms should be explored further. This study aims to explore a model linking early memories of warmth and safeness to mobile phone addiction via the mediating role of alexithymia and moderating role of negative coping styles. A total of 379 Chinese college students (Mage = 19.80 years, SD = 1.38; 240 females) completed a questionnaire consisting of the Early Memories of Warmth and Safeness Scale, Toronto Alexithymia Scale, Mobile Phone Addiction Scale, and Negative Coping Styles Scale. Results indicate that early memories of warmth and safeness are negatively correlated with mobile phone addiction, and alexithymia plays a mediating role in the link between early memories of warmth and safeness and mobile phone addiction. In addition, negative coping styles significantly moderate the relationship between early memories of warmth and safeness and alexithymia, specifically, the negative association between early memories of warmth and safeness and alexithymia is highly significant at high (vs. low) negative coping styles levels. The findings suggest that early memories of warmth and safeness are an important protective factor against mobile phone addiction, which enrich the literature on mobile phone addiction and provide empirical support for the prevention of mobile phone addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianliang Zheng
- School of Educational Science, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Lijuan Huang
- School of Educational Science, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Zhihua Xie
- School of Educational Science, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Linlu Peng
- School of Educational Science, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Xiangsen Zhou
- School of Educational Science, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, China
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Alessandrello C, Sanfilippo S, Minciullo PL, Gangemi S. An Overview on Atopic Dermatitis, Oxidative Stress, and Psychological Stress: Possible Role of Nutraceuticals as an Additional Therapeutic Strategy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5020. [PMID: 38732239 PMCID: PMC11084351 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25095020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with a considerable impact on patients' quality of life. Its etiology is multifactorial and, among the predisposing factors, a role is played by oxidative stress. Pollution, recurrent infections, and psychological stress contribute to oxidative stress, amplifying the production of proinflammatory cytokines and worsening barrier damage. There are various oxidative stress mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of AD. Moreover, AD often appears to be associated with psychological disorders such as alexithymia, depression, and anxiety due to severe itching and related insomnia, as well as social distress and isolation. The increasing incidence of AD requires the evaluation of additional therapeutic approaches in order to reduce the psychological burden of this condition. Our review aims to evaluate the role of some nutraceuticals in AD treatment and its related psychological comorbidities. The combination of some natural compounds (flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenes, isothiocyanates) with traditional AD treatments might be useful in improving the effectiveness of therapy, by reducing chronic inflammation and preventing flare-ups, and in promoting corticosteroid sparing. In addition, some of these nutraceuticals also appear to have a role in the treatment of psychological disorders, although the underlying oxidative stress mechanisms are different from those already known for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Paola L. Minciullo
- School and Operative Unit of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (C.A.); (S.S.); (S.G.)
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Atila C, Beck J, Refardt J, Erlic Z, Drummond JB, Sailer CO, Liechti ME, Rocha BSS, Beuschlein F, Winzeler B, Christ-Crain M. Psychopathological characteristics in patients with arginine vasopressin deficiency (central diabetes insipidus) and primary polydipsia compared to healthy controls. Eur J Endocrinol 2024; 190:354-362. [PMID: 38551325 DOI: 10.1093/ejendo/lvae040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Distinguishing arginine vasopressin deficiency (AVP-D; central diabetes insipidus) from primary polydipsia (PP), commonly referred to as psychogenic polydipsia, is challenging. Psychopathologic findings, commonly used for PP diagnosis in clinical practice, are rarely evaluated in AVP-D patients, and no comparative data between the two conditions currently exist. DESIGN Data from two studies involving 82 participants [39 AVP-D, 28 PP, and 15 healthy controls (HC)]. METHODS Psychological evaluations were conducted using standardized questionnaires measuring anxiety [State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)], alexithymia [Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20)], depressive symptoms (Beck's Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and overall mental health [Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36)]. Higher STAI, TAS-20, and BDI-II scores suggest elevated anxiety, alexithymia, and depression, while higher SF-36 scores signify better overall mental health. RESULTS Compared to HC, patients with AVP-D and PP showed higher levels of anxiety (HC 28 points [24-31] vs AVP-D 36 points [31-45]; vs PP 38 points [33-46], P < .01), alexithymia (HC 30 points [29-37] vs AVP-D 43 points [35-54]; vs PP 46 points [37-55], P < .01), and depression (HC 1 point [0-2] vs AVP-D 7 points [4-14]; vs PP 7 points [3-13], P < .01). Levels of anxiety, alexithymia, and depression showed no difference between both patient groups (P = .58, P = .90, P = .50, respectively). Compared to HC, patients with AVP-D and PP reported similarly reduced self-reported overall mental health scores (HC 84 [68-88] vs AVP-D 60 [52-80], P = .05; vs PP 60 [47-74], P < .01). CONCLUSION This study reveals heightened anxiety, alexithymia, depression, and diminished overall mental health in patients with AVP-D and PP. The results emphasize the need for careful interpretation of psychopathological characteristics to differentiate between AVP-D and PP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cihan Atila
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Julia Beck
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Julie Refardt
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Zoran Erlic
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Juliana B Drummond
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of the Federal University of Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Clara O Sailer
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Beatriz Santana Soares Rocha
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of the Federal University of Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Felix Beuschlein
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, 80336 Munich, Germany
- The LOOP Zurich Medical Research Center, LOOBesity, 8044 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Bettina Winzeler
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mirjam Christ-Crain
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
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Schell C, Quilty LC, Cunningham JA. Investigating Alexithymia as a Moderator of Outcomes in a Randomized Controlled Trial of an Online Intervention for Co-Occurring Depression and Hazardous Alcohol Use: Enquête sur l'alexithymie en tant que modérateur des résultats dans un essai randomisé contrôlé d'une intervention en ligne pour la dépression concomitante et la consommation dangereuse d'alcool. Can J Psychiatry 2024:7067437241249412. [PMID: 38682315 DOI: 10.1177/07067437241249412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Alexithymia is characterized by difficulty identifying and/or describing emotions, reduced imaginal processes, and externally oriented thinking. High levels of alexithymia may increase the challenge of supporting individuals with co-occurring depression and hazardous alcohol use. This secondary analysis sought to investigate whether or not alexithymia moderated the outcomes of an online intervention for depression and alcohol use. METHOD As part of a randomized controlled trial, 988 participants were randomly assigned to receive an intervention dually focused on depression and alcohol use, or an intervention only focused on depression. The pre-specified mediation hypothesis was that changes in drinking at 3 months follow-up would effect the association between the intervention and change in depression at 6 months. This secondary analysis extends the investigation by adding alexithymia as a moderator. RESULTS The current analysis demonstrated that including alexithymia as a moderator resulted in a conditional direct effect. Specifically, there was an intervention effect where participants who received the combined depression and alcohol intervention had larger improvements in their depression scores at 6 months, but this was only when their alexithymia score at baseline was also high (60.5 or higher). CONCLUSION These results suggest that treatment planning and intervention effectiveness could be informed and optimized by taking alexithymia severity into consideration. This is especially merited as alexithymia can contribute to the weaker therapeutic alliance, more distress and dysphoria, shorter periods of abstinence, and more severe depression, compounding the complexity of supporting individuals with comorbid conditions. More research is needed to systematically investigate these possible modifying effects. PLAIN LANGUAGE TITLE Does difficulty identifying/describing emotions or externally-oriented thinking influence the effectiveness of an intervention among people with both depression and hazardous alcohol use?
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Schell
- Institute for Mental Health and Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - Lena C Quilty
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - John A Cunningham
- Institute for Mental Health and Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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Hong YC, Chen SJ, Chang YC, Chang CW, Chiang HH. The role of alexithymia in suicide ideation among Taiwanese army military personnel: A serial mediation model investigating the effects of perceived stress and depression. Stress Health 2024:e3405. [PMID: 38660797 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Maintaining the good mental health of Taiwanese military personnel is crucial, especially in light of incidents such as the Taiwan Strait crisis. Suicide is a leading cause of death among military personnel and alexithymia is a significant risk factor for suicidal ideation. However, the mechanisms linking alexithymia and suicidal ideation in this psychologically burdened population remain poorly understood. In total, 863 voluntary army military personnel from Taiwanese reserve brigades and combined-arms brigades were enroled between May 2020 and February 2021. Structured questionnaires about alexithymia, perceived stress, depression, suicidal ideation, and background characteristics were used. Mediation analyses were conducted to examine the serial mediation roles of perceived stress and depression in the relationship between alexithymia and suicidal ideation. Significant positive correlations were observed between alexithymia, perceived stress, depression, and suicidal ideation in bivariate analyses. Serial mediation analyses revealed that alexithymia significantly predicted higher levels of perceived stress, subsequently leading to depressive symptoms, which were associated with suicidal ideation. Depression served as a significant mediator between alexithymia and suicidal ideation. The strongest mediating effect (71.4%) was observed in the pathway from alexithymia through perceived stress and depression to suicidal ideation. Limitations included the utilization of cross-sectional data and a reliance on retrospective self-report measures. Perceived stress and depression were identified as serial mediators in the association between alexithymia and suicidal ideation. Clinically, it is crucial to prioritise interventions that target emotional regulation skills and assess the presence of alexithymia to effectively reduce suicidal ideation in military personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chia Hong
- Department of Nursing, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sy-Jou Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yue-Cune Chang
- Department of Mathematics, Tamkang University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Wei Chang
- Department of Psychiatry, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Hsun Chiang
- School of Nursing, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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Neumann D, Hammond FM, Sander AM, Bogner J, Bushnik T, Finn JA, Chung JS, Klyce DW, Sevigny M, Ketchum JM. A Longitudinal Investigation of Alexithymia as a Predictor of Empathy, Emotional Functioning, Resilience, and Life Satisfaction Two Years after Brain Injury. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2024:S0003-9993(24)00950-X. [PMID: 38670209 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2024.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the unique contribution of alexithymia at 1 year after traumatic brain injury (TBI) to the prospective prediction of emotional and social health outcomes at 2 years post-injury. DESIGN Multicenter, longitudinal cohort study. SETTING Data were collected during Year 1 and Year 2 post-injury follow-up interviews across four TBI Model System (TBIMS) centers. PARTICIPANTS Persons with TBI (N = 175; 134 men and 41 women) who had English fluency and were capable of providing self-report data. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Primary independent variable was the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20. Outcome measures included the Interpersonal Reactivity Index, National Institute of Health Toolbox Emotion Battery Anger, Difficulty with Emotion Regulation Scale, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian, Satisfaction With Life Scale, General Anxiety Disorder-7, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, suicidal ideation, and problematic substance use. RESULTS Simple adjusted models demonstrated that after controlling for the specific outcome at Year 1, TAS-20 scores significantly predicted Year 2 scores for perspective taking, physical aggression, emotion dysregulation, resilience, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. All of these predictive findings except for physical aggression were maintained in the fully adjusted models that also controlled for age, sex, education level, number of prior TBIs, and motor and cognitive functioning. CONCLUSIONS Compared to those with lower alexithymia scores, persons with TBI who had higher alexithymia scores at 1-year post-injury reported poorer emotional health at 2 years after TBI, even after controlling for Year 1 outcome scores, sociodemographics, and injury-related factors. These results support the need to assess for elevated alexithymia and to provide interventions targeting alexithymia early in the TBI recovery process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn Neumann
- Associate Professor, Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Indianapolis, IN.
| | - Flora M Hammond
- Professor & Chair, Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Angelle M Sander
- Professor, H. Ben Taub Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, and Director, Brain Injury Research Center, TIRR Memorial Hermann, Houston, TX
| | - Jennifer Bogner
- Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University
| | - Tamara Bushnik
- Associate Professor, Rusk Rehabilitation, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
| | - Jacob A Finn
- Clinician Investigator, Rehabilitation & Extended Care, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN; Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Joyce S Chung
- Polytrauma Research Director, Polytrauma System of Care, Rehabilitation Service, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Daniel W Klyce
- Central Virginia VA Health Care System, Richmond, VA; Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Richmond, VA; Sheltering Arms Institute, Richmond, VA
| | - Mitch Sevigny
- Biostatistician, Craig Hospital, Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems National Data and Statistical Center, Englewood, CO
| | - Jessica M Ketchum
- Biostatistician III, Craig Hospital, Traumatic Brain Injury National Data and Statistical Center, Englewood, CO
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Fuchs M, Kersting A, Suslow T, Bodenschatz CM. Recognizing and Looking at Masked Emotional Faces in Alexithymia. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:343. [PMID: 38667139 PMCID: PMC11047507 DOI: 10.3390/bs14040343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Alexithymia is a clinically relevant personality construct characterized by difficulties identifying and communicating one's emotions and externally oriented thinking. Alexithymia has been found to be related to poor emotion decoding and diminished attention to the eyes. The present eye tracking study investigated whether high levels of alexithymia are related to impairments in recognizing emotions in masked faces and reduced attentional preference for the eyes. An emotion recognition task with happy, fearful, disgusted, and neutral faces with face masks was administered to high-alexithymic and non-alexithymic individuals. Hit rates, latencies of correct responses, and fixation duration on eyes and face mask were analyzed as a function of group and sex. Alexithymia had no effects on accuracy and speed of emotion recognition. However, alexithymic men showed less attentional preference for the eyes relative to the mask than non-alexithymic men, which was due to their increased attention to face masks. No fixation duration differences were observed between alexithymic and non-alexithymic women. Our data indicate that high levels of alexithymia might not have adverse effects on the efficiency of emotion recognition from faces wearing masks. Future research on gaze behavior during facial emotion recognition in high alexithymia should consider sex as a moderating variable.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thomas Suslow
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig Medical Center, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (M.F.); (A.K.); (C.M.B.)
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Guidotti S, Fiduccia A, Pruneti C. Introversion, Alexithymia, and Hostility: A Path Analysis From Personality to Suicidal Ideation Among University Students. Psychol Rep 2024:332941241247526. [PMID: 38623941 DOI: 10.1177/00332941241247526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between state (i.e., hostility) and trait (i.e., social detachment, alexithymia) psychological constructs associated with suicidal ideation among university students. METHODS A group of 190 university students was consecutively recruited in the period between September 2022 and March 2023. After a clinical interview, a series of psychological tests were administered: the Cattell's 16-Personality Factors Questionnaire (16PF), the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R), and the anamnestic form of the Cognitive Behavioral Assessment (CBA2.0), which contains a specific question regarding the suicidal ideation. RESULTS The analyses demonstrated that alexithymia fully mediated the relationship between a particular aspect of introversion (social detachment or low warmth) and hostility which, in turn, seemed to be a significant predictor of suicidal ideation. CONCLUSIONS The path analysis conducted seemed to highlight the importance of personality traits, such as social detachment and the ability to recognize and express one's internal states, on the mental health of university students in terms of hostility and suicidal ideation. Considering that the reduction of suicide mortality has been prioritized as a global target in the 15-19 age group, identifying the psychological factors associated with it is fundamental.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Guidotti
- Clinical Psychology, Clinical Psychophysiology, and Clinical Neuropsychology Labs, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Alice Fiduccia
- Clinical Psychology, Clinical Psychophysiology, and Clinical Neuropsychology Labs, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Carlo Pruneti
- Clinical Psychology, Clinical Psychophysiology, and Clinical Neuropsychology Labs, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Wang Y, Cao J, Wei J. Case report: Short-term psychotherapy for alexithymia in a patient with generalized anxiety disorder. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1342398. [PMID: 38686127 PMCID: PMC11056504 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1342398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Alexithymia is common among patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and may negatively affect the efficacy of treatment. This case report described a sole short-term psychotherapy focusing on alexithymia for a GAD patient. The intervention extends over 3 weekly 50-minute sessions and incorporates components of: (a) understanding the basic categories of emotions and the importance of processing them consciously and building one's own vocabulary of emotions; (b) developing skills in identifying and labeling emotions and learning to register both positive and negative emotions in daily life; (c) observing and interpreting emotion-related body sensations and learning to get in touch with, be empathetic to, and take care of one's own inner feelings in daily life. The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), and Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS) were used to evaluate depression, anxiety, and alexithymia before and after the sessions. The results suggested that the treatment was not only effective in reducing alexithymia helping the patient to clarify, identify and describe her feelings, but also effective in reducing anxiety and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufei Wang
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- 44 Medical Doctor Program, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jinya Cao
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wei
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Cao P, Peng R, Yuan Q, Zhou R, Ye M, Zhou X. Predictors of non-suicidal self-injury in adolescents with depressive disorder: the role of alexithymia, childhood trauma, and body investment. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1336631. [PMID: 38638510 PMCID: PMC11024233 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1336631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study analyzes the relationship of alexithymia, childhood trauma, and body investment to non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors in adolescents with depressive disorder and whether they have predictive and diagnostic value for non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors in adolescents with depressive disorder. Patients and methods A total of 225 patients with a diagnosis of adolescent depressive disorder were included in the study and were divided into two groups according to the DSM-5 criteria: 98 cases without NSSI and 127 cases with NSSI. Compare the demographic data, 24-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-24), 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF), and Body Investment Scale (BIS) scores between two groups. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors contributing to NSSI behaviors in adolescents with depression, and establish four predictive models. Based on the models' predictive probability, the ROC curves were plotted to calculate the value of the predictive diagnostic effect. Results The group without NSSI had lower scores than the group with NSSI on HAMD-24 total score, TAS-20 total score, difficulty identifying feelings, difficulty describing feelings, and externally focused thinking, as well as lower scores on CTQ-SF total score, physical neglect, emotional neglect, physical abuse, and emotional abuse. In contrast, the BIS total score, body image feelings and attitudes, body care, and body protection factor scores were higher for the group without NSSI. The BIS body care factor score and the CTQ-SF emotional abuse factor score were significantly linked with adolescents diagnosed with depressive disorder who exhibited NSSI behaviors. These results provide a good diagnostic model for adolescents with depressive disorder. Conclusion Low levels of body care and childhood emotional abuse may independently contribute to the implementation of NSSI in adolescents with depressive disorder. Body investment and childhood trauma are valuable in diagnosing and predicting NSSI behaviors and should be considered as potentially important factors in clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panpan Cao
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Psychiatric Center, Hefei, China
| | - Ran Peng
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Psychiatric Center, Hefei, China
| | - Qiuyu Yuan
- Bengbu Mental Health Center, Anhui Veterans Hospital, Anmin Hospital Affiliated to Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Ruochen Zhou
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Psychiatric Center, Hefei, China
| | - Mengting Ye
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Psychiatric Center, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaoqin Zhou
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Psychiatric Center, Hefei, China
- Department of Psychology and Sleep Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Daghigh A. Beyond sleepless nights: Unraveling the complexity of alexithymia and suicide risk among university students. Brain Behav 2024; 14:e3476. [PMID: 38622877 PMCID: PMC11019149 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a solid relationship between alexithymia and suicide risk. Nonetheless, the specific impact of alexithymia's distinct subscales on suicide risk has received the attention it deserves. This article presents a comprehensive exploration of suicide risk among university students, focusing on the interconnections among alexithymia, insomnia, and suicidal behavior. Three components of alexithymia including difficulties in describing emotions or feelings (DDF), difficulties in identifying emotions or feelings (DIF), and the externally oriented thinking were considered. METHODS The study involved 208 participants from a Persian university sample, examining the significance of incorporating both alexithymia and insomnia in suicide risk assessment and intervention planning. Insomnia was positioned as a pivotal mediator. A secure electronic link in the Telegram application was employed to collect the data. Both linear and nonlinear prediction models were used to explore potential associations among alexithymia, insomnia, and suicide risk. RESULTS The study revealed substantial positive correlations between alexithymia and suicide risk, as well as between insomnia and suicide risk. Additionally, specific components of alexithymia exhibited noteworthy links to suicide risk. The inclusion of insomnia scores in suicide risk predictions is critical, as it greatly enhances the precision of risk assessments and facilitates the design of targeted and effective therapeutic interventions. The association between alexithymia and suicide risk showed a significant relationship (r = .29, p < .01). Moreover, a significant correlation was observed between alexithymia and insomnia (r = .32, p < .01). Additionally, insomnia exhibited a significant positive correlation with suicide (r = .35, p < .01). Interestingly, DDF and DIF showed positive correlations with suicide (r = .28, p < .01; r = .33, p < .01). CONCLUSION The findings carry profound implications for suicide prevention efforts, providing valuable insights to safeguard the well-being and resilience of university students facing suicide risk challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Daghigh
- Department of Brain, Mind, and EducationInstitute for Cognitive Science StudiesTehranIran
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12
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Abstract
Whereas emotion theorists often keep their distance from the embodied approach, theorists of embodiment tend to treat emotion as a mainly physiologic process. However, intimate links between emotions and the body suggest that emotions are privileged phenomena to attempt to reintegrate mind and body and that the body helps the mind in shaping emotional responses. To date, research has favored the cerebrum over other parts of the brain as a substrate of embodied emotions. However, given the widely demonstrated contribution of the cerebellum to emotional processing, research in affective neuroscience should consider embodiment theory as a useful approach for evaluating the cerebellar role in emotion and affect. The aim of this review is to insert the cerebellum among the structures needed to embody emotions, providing illustrative examples of cerebellar involvement in embodied emotions (as occurring in empathic abilities) and in impaired identification and expression of embodied emotions (as occurring in alexithymia).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Debora Cutuli
- Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology, University Sapienza of Rome, Rome, Italy
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13
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Adamowicz JL, Sirotiak Z, Thomas EBK. Childhood maltreatment and somatic symptoms: Examining the role of specific types of childhood maltreatment and alexithymia. Psychol Trauma 2024; 16:S2-S9. [PMID: 35816585 PMCID: PMC9832170 DOI: 10.1037/tra0001315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Given the strong association between a history of childhood maltreatment and somatic symptoms, identification of therapeutically modifiable intervention targets is warranted. Alexithymia, or difficulty identifying and describing emotions, may be playing an important role. The present study examined contributions of alexithymia and childhood maltreatment as related to somatic symptoms. METHOD Participants (N = 447) completed measures of childhood maltreatment, alexithymia, and somatic symptoms. Two three-step hierarchical linear regressions were conducted to examine the unique contribution of alexithymia after accounting for demographic characteristics and childhood maltreatment. The first regression utilized total scores, and the second explored five domains of childhood maltreatment, a trauma validity index, and three domains of alexithymia. RESULTS In the first linear regression, childhood maltreatment and alexithymia were significantly associated with higher somatic symptoms. In the second linear regression, childhood maltreatment and alexithymia both significantly added to the model; however, only emotional abuse was significantly associated with somatic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS In line with previous research, childhood maltreatment and alexithymia are associated with somatic symptoms. Given specific domains of alexithymia were nonsignificant in this relationship, it appears no single aspect of alexithymia is of greater importance. Future research should examine these associations longitudinally, as improving alexithymia may help improve outcomes in individuals with childhood maltreatment history experiencing somatic symptoms. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zoe Sirotiak
- University of Iowa, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences
- University of Iowa, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
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14
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Tan C, Song H, Ma S, Liu X, Zhao Y. Autistic Traits and Aggressive Behavior in Chinese College Students: A Serial Mediation Model and the Gender Difference. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2024; 17:1385-1397. [PMID: 38529081 PMCID: PMC10962467 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s451028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The existence of aggressive behavior in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) raises questions about whether cognitive and emotional factors in social information processing play a role between autistic traits (ATs) and aggressive behavior in the general population, especially in the context of Chinese culture. Moreover, given a possible gender difference in these variables, the study aimed to examine the effect of ATs on aggressive behavior, and the potential mediating role of hostile attribution bias and alexithymia on this association, as well as gender difference. Methods 850 Chinese college students participated in the assessment, including their ATs, hostile attribution bias, alexithymia, and aggressive behavior. Pearson correlation, mediation effects analyses, and multiple-group comparison were conducted. Results The results indicated that ATs indirectly predicted increased aggressive behavior through attribution bias and alexithymia. Gender difference in mediating effects was revealed: ATs indirectly predicted increased aggressive behavior through the serial mediating effect only in males. Conclusion Hostile attribution bias and alexithymia completely mediated the association between ATs and aggressive behavior, which contained the separate mediating effects of (a) hostile attribution bias and (b) alexithymia and the serial mediating effect of (c) hostile attribution bias and alexithymia. Gender differences in mediating effects were found only in the serial mediating effect, which was significant in males but not in females. The findings revealed the internal mechanism of ATs affecting aggressive behavior and gender difference, which have implications for the intervention of aggressive behavior of individuals with autism and those with high levels of ATs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenghui Tan
- Department of Psychology, Renmin University of China, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huan Song
- School of Educational Science, Neijiang Normal University, Neijiang, People’s Republic of China
- School of Education, Soochow University, Suzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Ma
- School of Education, Soochow University, Suzhou, People’s Republic of China
- School of Marxism, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- School of Education, Soochow University, Suzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Psychology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuan Zhao
- Police Officer Academy, Shandong University of Political Science and Law, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
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15
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Simoncini G, Borghesi F, Mancuso V, Pedroli E, Cipresso P. Assessing alexithymia: the proposal of a psychometric tool based on spheric videos. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 18:1375342. [PMID: 38562229 PMCID: PMC10982385 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1375342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The present perspective introduces a novel psychometric tool designed to enhance the evaluation of alexithymia. Alexithymia, a condition marked by difficulties in recognizing and expressing emotions, along with a propensity to direct attention outside rather than toward one's own interior experiences, is commonly investigated through self-report questionnaires. These instruments assume that individuals have sufficient self-awareness and abstraction capabilities, which restricts the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of emotional recognition in individuals who do not possess these capacities. To address this lack, emerging technologies like virtual reality (VR) and 360° videos facilitate the recreation of immersive contexts, enabling subjects to engage with scenarios even remotely. Our innovative tool employs spherical video technology to recreate social and non-social scenarios that elicit emotions. Psychophysiological measures are collected during video observation; then, questions are asked to investigate how the subject consciously processes the emotions they experienced. This multimodal approach aims to capture both implicit and explicit emotion processing, providing a comprehensive assessment. Overall, the proposed psychometric tool offers the potential for a more nuanced understanding of alexithymic traits and their real-life impact, empowering clinicians to tailor treatment processes to individual needs based on a richer set of information.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Elisa Pedroli
- Faculty of Psychology, eCampus University, Novedrate, Italy
- Department of Geriatrics and Cardiovascular Medicine, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
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16
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Jakobson LS, McQuarrie AM, Van Landeghem C, Smith SD. Traits linked to sensory processing sensitivity mediate the relationship between externally oriented thinking and fantasizing. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1354120. [PMID: 38533217 PMCID: PMC10963545 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1354120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Alexithymia is characterized by difficulties identifying and describing feelings but expression of externally oriented thinking (EOT) and difficulty fantasizing is more variable. In two studies, we investigated whether links between EOT and fantasizing are mediated by sensory processing sensitivity (SPS). Methods University students completed measures of alexithymia, SPS, and fantasizing. Results In Study 1 (N = 700) we identified two clusters of SPS traits: a positive facet (sensitivity to subtle stimuli) and a negative facet (sensitivity to uncomfortable stimuli). In the 499 participants who completed the fantasy measure, low EOT scores predicted stronger SPS positive and negative traits, which predicted a stronger tendency to mentally project oneself into the lives of characters in books, movies, and plays. In Study 2 (N = 600), the link between EOT and this same fantasizing tendency was again mediated by features of SPS-in this case fantasy proneness and emotional reactivity. Discussion We suggest that, whereas individuals who score high on EOT have an impoverished fantasy life, those who score relatively low on EOT and turn their attention inward are able to maintain stronger representations of imagined events in working memory (enhancing the likelihood that they will be recalled) and react more strongly to these events (enhancing their salience). Stronger expression of these features of SPS, in turn, increases the likelihood that one will develop a cognitive style that involves the application of imagery-based strategies to support deep processing of the thoughts and feelings of characters depicted in narratives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorna S. Jakobson
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | | | | | - Stephen D. Smith
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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17
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Surber C, Hoepfel D, Günther V, Kersting A, Rufer M, Suslow T, Bodenschatz CM. Deployment of attention to facial expressions varies as a function of emotional quality-but not in alexithymic individuals. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1338194. [PMID: 38510803 PMCID: PMC10950908 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1338194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Alexithymia is a risk factor for emotional disorders and is characterized by differences in automatic and controlled emotion processing. The multi-stimulus free-viewing task has been used to detect increased negative and reduced positive attentional biases in depression and anxiety. In the present eye-tracking study, we examined whether lexical emotional priming directs attention toward emotion-congruent facial expressions and whether alexithymia is related to impairments in lexical priming and spontaneous attention deployment during multiple face perception. Materials and methods A free-viewing task with happy, fearful, angry, and neutral faces shown simultaneously was administered to 32 alexithymic and 46 non-alexithymic individuals along with measures of negative affect and intelligence. Face presentation was preceded by masked emotion words. Indices of initial orienting and maintenance of attention were analyzed as a function of prime or target category and study group. Results Time to first fixation was not affected by prime category or study group. Analysis of fixation duration yielded a three-way interaction. Alexithymic individuals exhibited no prime or target category effect, whereas non-alexithymic individuals showed a main effect of target condition, fixating happy faces longer than neutral and angry faces and fearful faces longer than angry faces. Discussion Our results show evidence of attentional biases for positive and fearful social information in non-alexithymic individuals, but not in alexithymic individuals. The lack of spontaneous attentional preference for these social stimuli in alexithymia might contribute to a vulnerability for developing emotional disorders. Our data also suggest that briefly presented emotion words may not facilitate gaze orientation toward emotion-congruent stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Surber
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Dennis Hoepfel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Vivien Günther
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anette Kersting
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michael Rufer
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich (PUK), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Center for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Clinic Zugersee, Triaplus AG, Zug, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Suslow
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Charlott Maria Bodenschatz
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
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18
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Miniati M, Lippi M, Palagini L, Conversano C, Orrù G, Gemignani A, Perugi G. Is Interoception Deficit Linking Alexithymia and Eating Spectrum Symptoms? Study on a Non-Clinical Sample of Young Adults. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:586. [PMID: 38470697 PMCID: PMC10931238 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12050586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
We investigated if interoceptive deficits could be the link between alexithymic traits and eating spectrum manifestations in a non-clinical sample. One-hundred sixty-one young adults (mean age: 23.2 ± 2.4 years) were evaluated with the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20), the Interoceptive Accuracy Scale (IAS), the Interoceptive Confusion Questionnaire (ICQ), and the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26). Questionnaires were administered with an online procedure (Microsoft Form, Office 365 A1, Pisa, Italy) (Study Protocol #0012005/2023). We compared ICQ, IAS, and TAS-20 scores in subjects who met the threshold for a potential eating spectrum disorder according to EAT-26 scores ≥ 20 (n = 27) vs. subjects who scored <20 (n = 134), with an ANCOVA corrected for 'age' and 'gender'. Subjects with EAT-26 ≥ 20, scored significantly higher at ICQ (54.4 ± 13.2 vs. 50.2 ± 6.8; p = 0.011), TAS-20 'Total Score' (60.8 ± 11.9 vs. 58.1 ± 9.2; p = 0.006), and TAS-20 'Identifying Feelings' (21.5 ± 7.6 vs. 17.3 ± 5.8; p = 0.0001). A binary logistic regression analysis, with EAT-26 scores < 20 vs. ≥20 as the dependent variable, and ICQ, IAS, TAS-20 total scores and dimensions, age, and gender (categorical) as covariates, showed that the only variable predicting eating spectrum symptomatology was 'ICQ Total Score' (OR = 1.075, 95% CI: 1.016-1.139; p = 0.013). Interoceptive confusion was the dimension linking the occurrence of alexithymic traits and eating spectrum manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Miniati
- Psychiatric Clinic, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (G.P.)
| | - Maria Lippi
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.L.); (C.C.); (G.O.); (A.G.)
| | - Laura Palagini
- Psychiatric Clinic, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (G.P.)
| | - Ciro Conversano
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.L.); (C.C.); (G.O.); (A.G.)
| | - Graziella Orrù
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.L.); (C.C.); (G.O.); (A.G.)
| | - Angelo Gemignani
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.L.); (C.C.); (G.O.); (A.G.)
| | - Giulio Perugi
- Psychiatric Clinic, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (G.P.)
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Abstract
ABSTRACT Anxiety disorders commonly occur in autism. Existing studies implicate intolerance of uncertainty, alexithymia, sensory processing differences and emotion regulation difficulties as influencing factors of anxiety in autism. To date, a few studies have considered the combination of these factors within the same sample. This study used structural equation modelling to test the prediction that intolerance of uncertainty and emotion regulation constitute more direct causes of anxiety in autism that mediate the influences of sensory processing difference and alexithymia as more sequential contributing factors. Autistic (n = 86) and non-autistic adults (n = 100) completed a battery of self-report questionnaires. Only when applied to each group separately, the broad predictions of the model were confirmed for the autistic group following data-driven additions of paths between sensory processing difference and anxiety and alexithymia implying that sensory processing difference contribute indirectly as well as directly to individual differences in anxiety. For the non-autistic group, model fit could only be achieved after removing autism-related traits and sensory processing differences as predictors of anxiety. These results suggest that aetiology and expression of anxiety in autism partially overlap with what is observed in the general population except that sensory processing differences appear to play a relatively unique role in the context of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Riedelbauch
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und –psychotherapie, Medizinische Fakultät, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Tobias Thiel
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und –psychotherapie, Medizinische Fakultät, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Veit Roessner
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und –psychotherapie, Medizinische Fakultät, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Melanie Ring
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und –psychotherapie, Medizinische Fakultät, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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20
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Patella V, Nettis E, Peduto T, Pierro L, Pellacani G, Bonzano L, Leto Barone MS, Palmieri S, Zunno R. Severe atopic dermatitis treated with anti-interleukin 4Rα reduces the psychological burden in patients with and without alexithymia. JAAD Int 2024; 14:19-21. [PMID: 38035127 PMCID: PMC10682665 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdin.2023.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Patella
- Department of Internal Medicine ASL Salerno, “Santa Maria della Speranza” Hospital, Salerno, Italy
- Postgraduate Program in Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Eustachio Nettis
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, School and Chair of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Tiziana Peduto
- Department of Internal Medicine ASL Salerno, “Santa Maria della Speranza” Hospital, Salerno, Italy
| | - Luciana Pierro
- Department of Internal Medicine ASL Salerno, “Santa Maria della Speranza” Hospital, Salerno, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pellacani
- Dermatology Clinic, Department of Clinical Internal, Anesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Bonzano
- Dermatology Unit, Surgical, Medical and Dental Department of Morphological Sciences related to Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | | | | | - Roberta Zunno
- Department of Internal Medicine ASL Salerno, “Santa Maria della Speranza” Hospital, Salerno, Italy
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Yu L, Wang W, Li Z, Ren Y, Liu J, Jiao L, Xu Q. Alexithymia modulates emotion concept activation during facial expression processing. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhae071. [PMID: 38466112 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhae071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Alexithymia is characterized by difficulties in emotional information processing. However, the underlying reasons for emotional processing deficits in alexithymia are not fully understood. The present study aimed to investigate the mechanism underlying emotional deficits in alexithymia. Using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20, we recruited college students with high alexithymia (n = 24) or low alexithymia (n = 24) in this study. Participants judged the emotional consistency of facial expressions and contextual sentences while recording their event-related potentials. Behaviorally, the high alexithymia group showed longer response times versus the low alexithymia group in processing facial expressions. The event-related potential results showed that the high alexithymia group had more negative-going N400 amplitudes compared with the low alexithymia group in the incongruent condition. More negative N400 amplitudes are also associated with slower responses to facial expressions. Furthermore, machine learning analyses based on N400 amplitudes could distinguish the high alexithymia group from the low alexithymia group in the incongruent condition. Overall, these findings suggest worse facial emotion perception for the high alexithymia group, potentially due to difficulty in spontaneously activating emotion concepts. Our findings have important implications for the affective science and clinical intervention of alexithymia-related affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linwei Yu
- Department of Psychology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Weihan Wang
- Department of Psychology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Zhiwei Li
- Department of Psychology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Yi Ren
- Department of Psychology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Jiabin Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Lan Jiao
- Department of Psychology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Qiang Xu
- Department of Psychology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
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22
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Shipp L, Musatova A, Černis E, Waite P. The relationship between dissociation and panic symptoms in adolescence and the exploration of potential mediators. JCPP Adv 2024; 4:e12202. [PMID: 38486953 PMCID: PMC10933600 DOI: 10.1002/jcv2.12202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Dissociative experiences have been linked to panic symptoms in adolescents, yet the nature of the association remains unclear. Methods In the present study, we investigated the longitudinal relationship between dissociative experiences (focusing on the felt sense of anomaly subtype) and panic, as well as the potential mediating roles of emotion regulation strategies (expressive suppression and cognitive reappraisal), alexithymia, and cognitive appraisals of dissociation. Four thousand five hundred one adolescents aged 13-18 years were recruited via social media advertising to take part in an online survey at two timepoints, 1 month apart. Results Analysis of 421 datasets found a significant positive relationship between initial dissociative experiences and panic symptoms reported 1 month later. This was mediated by the emotion regulation strategy of cognitive reappraisal, and cognitive appraisals of dissociation. These two variables were no longer significant mediators when controlling for panic symptoms at the first time point, likely due to the stability of panic symptoms across both assessments. Neither alexithymia nor expressive suppression were significant mediators. Conclusions Thus, dissociative experiences that are persistently misinterpreted in a catastrophic manner may lead to escalating anxiety and panic symptoms, which could in turn heighten and maintain the feared dissociation sensation. These results indicate that dissociative experiences are associated with panic symptoms in adolescence, with cognitive appraisals of dissociation and cognitive reappraisal playing a role in this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lottie Shipp
- Department of Experimental PsychologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Alisa Musatova
- Department of Experimental PsychologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Emma Černis
- School of PsychologyUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Polly Waite
- Department of Experimental PsychologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
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23
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van der Cruijsen R, Begeer S, Crone EA. The role of autism and alexithymia traits in behavioral and neural indicators of self-concept and self-esteem in adolescence. Autism 2024:13623613241232860. [PMID: 38411147 DOI: 10.1177/13623613241232860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Developing a positive view of the self is important for maintaining a good mental health, as feeling negative about the self increases the risk of developing internalizing symptoms such as feelings of depression and anxiety. Even though autistic individuals regularly struggle with these internalizing feelings, and both self-concept and internalizing feelings are known to develop during adolescence, there is a lack of studies investigating the development of positive self-concept and self-esteem in autistic adolescents. Here, we studied academic, physical, and prosocial self-concept as well as self-esteem in adolescent males with and without autism on both the behavioral and neural level. We additionally focused on similarities in one's own and peers' perspectives on the self, and we assessed a potential role of alexithymia (i.e. having trouble identifying and describing one's feelings) in developing a more negative view of the self. Results showed that there were no group differences in self-esteem, self-concept, or underlying neural activation. This shows that autistic adolescent males use the same neural processes when they evaluate their traits. However, regardless of clinical diagnosis, a higher number of autism traits was related to a less positive physical and prosocial self-concept, whereas more difficulty identifying one's feelings was related to lowered self-esteem and less activation in medial prefrontal cortex during self-evaluations. Therefore, in treatment of autistic adolescents with low self-esteem, it is important to take into account and possibly aim to improve alexithymic traits as well.
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Guo X, Wu S, Dong W, Zhang Y, Su Y, Chen C. The Effect of Bullying Victimization on Adolescent Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: The Mediating Roles of Alexithymia and Self-Esteem. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2024; 17:783-797. [PMID: 38444719 PMCID: PMC10911978 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s450195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background & Aim Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescents is a serious public health issue influenced by the interaction of multiple factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the multiple mediating roles of alexithymia and self-esteem in the association between bullying victimization and NSSI in a sample of Chinese adolescents. Methods A survey of 1299 adolescents from two public middle schools in Henan Province, China, was undertaken. Data were collected using the Chinese version of the Delaware bullying victimization scale-student (DBVS-S), the Toronto Alexithymia-20 Scale (TAS-20-C), the Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSES), and the adolescent self-injury questionnaire. Besides, we performed a structural equation modeling (SEM) with latent variables using AMOS 26.0 to examine the relationship between variables and the mediating effects. Results The SEM analysis found that not only can bullying victimization directly impact NSSI, but that alexithymia and self-esteem have a chain mediating effect in the association between bullying victimization and NSSI. This mediating effect contributed 22.47% to the total effect. Conclusion These findings validate bullying victimization, alexithymia, and low self-esteem are important variables that affect NSSI among Chinese adolescents. Educators need to implement some prevention and intervention strategies to ameliorate the campus atmosphere and adolescents' mental health aimed at avoiding NSSI behavior in adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiajun Guo
- Institute of Nursing and Health, School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Sijia Wu
- Institute of Nursing and Health, School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wanglin Dong
- Institute of Nursing and Health, School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yiqiu Zhang
- Institute of Nursing and Health, School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue Su
- Institute of Nursing and Health, School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chaoran Chen
- Institute of Nursing and Health, School of Nursing and Health, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, People’s Republic of China
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Yang X, Liu L, Tian Y, Yang C, Ling C, Liu H. Insomnia and Alexithymia in Chinese Adolescents with Major Depressive Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study of Sex Differences and Associations. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2024; 17:615-625. [PMID: 38404923 PMCID: PMC10893783 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s446788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Insomnia is related to alexithymia in adults, but the relationship between insomnia and alexithymia in adolescents with major depressive disorder remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the sex differences and the association between insomnia and alexithymia in adolescents with major depressive disorder. Patients and Methods From October 2020 to April 2022, adolescent patients with major depressive disorder were recruited from psychiatric departments of seven hospitals in Anhui Province, China. Their general demographic and clinical information were collected. The 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies of Depression Scale, and the Insomnia Severity Index Scale were used to assess their alexithymia, depression, and insomnia symptoms, respectively. The analysis of variance (ANOVA), Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U-test were used for continuous variables and chi-square tests for categorical variables. Pearson's correlation analysis and Spearman correlation analysis were used to examine the correlation between ISI and demographic and clinical variables. Multiple binary logistic regression analyses with the "Enter" method were carried out to explore the correlations of insomnia. Results The prevalence of insomnia in female adolescent patients was similar to that of male patients (χ2=1.84, p = 0.175). Compared with those without insomnia, patients with insomnia had worse family relationships (F = 7.71, p = 0.021), perceived heavier academic stress (F = 6.32, p = 0.012), more likely to take sedative-hypnotics (F = 5.51, p = 0.019), had higher levels of depression (F = 81.57, p < 0.001) and alexithymia (F = 28.57, p < 0.001). Correlation analysis showed that alexithymia was significantly associated with insomnia in adolescent patients (r = 0.360, p < 0.01). Binary logistic regression analyses showed that, alexithymia was significantly associated with insomnia in female patients (OR = 1.050, p < 0.05) but not male patients. Conclusion In female adolescent patients, alexithymia is a risk factor of insomnia, which is of great importance in the understanding of the psychopathological mechanisms, treatments and psychological interventions of insomnia in adolescents with major depressive disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxue Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China
- Anhui Psychiatric Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lewei Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China
- Anhui Psychiatric Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yinghan Tian
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China
- Anhui Psychiatric Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cheng Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China
- Anhui Psychiatric Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chen Ling
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China
- Anhui Psychiatric Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huanzhong Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China
- Anhui Psychiatric Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China
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Li X, Peng C, Qin F, Luo Q, Ren Z, Wang X, Feng Q, Liu C, Li Y, Wei D, Qiu J. Basolateral Amygdala Functional Connectivity in Alexithymia: Linking Interoceptive Sensibility and Cognitive Empathy. Neuroscience 2024; 539:12-20. [PMID: 38176608 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Emotions rely on bodily states, and perceiving the emotions of others depends on awareness of one's own emotional state. However, the intercorrelations among interoception, alexithymia, and empathy are not well understood, and the neural mechanisms behind this connection are also largely unknown. To address these issues, 297 college students participated in this study, completing measures of interoceptive sensibility (IS), empathy and alexithymia and undergoing resting-state fMRI scans. The functional connectivity of the amygdala was analysed to identify the neural substrates of alexithymia, and mediation analyses were conducted to examine the mediation effect of alexithymia and alexithymia-specific amygdala functional connectivity on the relationship between IS and empathy. The results showed that higher levels of IS were associated with increased cognitive empathy through weakened alexithymia. Functional connectivity analysis indicated that right basolateral amygdala (BLA)-left precuneus connectivity was negatively related to alexithymia, while right BLA-left precentral gyrus connectivity was positively related to alexithymia. Furthermore, right BLA-left precuneus connectivity was found to mediate the impact of interoception on cognitive empathy. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the relationships among IS, alexithymia, and empathy. The right BLA-left precuneus connectivity may serve as a shared neural substrate between interoception and cognitive empathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianrui Li
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China; Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Chuyao Peng
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China; Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Facai Qin
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China; Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Qian Luo
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China; Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Zhiting Ren
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China; Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xueyang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China; Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Qiuyang Feng
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China; Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Cheng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China; Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yang Li
- School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Dongtao Wei
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China; Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Jiang Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China; Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing 400715, China; Southwest University Branch, Collaborative Innovation Center of Assessment, Toward Basic Education Quality at Beijing Normal University, China.
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Xu L, Shi J, Li C. Addressing psychosomatic symptom distress with mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in somatic symptom disorder: mediating effects of self-compassion and alexithymia. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1289872. [PMID: 38384594 PMCID: PMC10879322 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1289872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study explored the association between self-compassion, alexithymia, and psychosomatic symptom distress in a clinical sample of somatic symptom disorder (SSD) patients participating in a mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) program. Methods One hundred sixteen SSD patients who had participated in an MBCT program and completed ≥4 intervention sessions were included in a retrospective study (76.7% women, mean age = 40.0, SD = 9.5). Psychometric measures of psychosomatic symptom distress [Brief Symptom Inventory-18 Global Severity Index (BSI-GSI)], self-compassion [Self-Compassion Scale (SCS)], and alexithymia [Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS)] were collected upon admission to the MBCT program and at 6-month follow-up following treatment inclusion. Results Serial mediation analysis (MBCT→ΔSCS→ΔTAS→ΔBSI-GSI) suggested that changes in both self-compassion and alexithymia had significant indirect effects on improvement in psychosomatic distress [ΔSCS β = -1.810, 95% bootstrap CI (-2.488, -1.160); ΔTAS β = -1.615, bootstrap 95% CI (-2.413, -0.896); ΔSCS→ΔTAS β = -0.621, bootstrap CI (-1.032, -0.315)]. Furthermore, a post-hoc analysis with a reverse sequence (MBCT→ΔTAS→ΔSCS→ΔBSI-GSI) revealed that reduction in alexithymia improved psychosomatic distress and that an increase in self-compassion was a subsequent outcome of alleviation of alexithymia [ΔTAS β = -2.235, bootstrap 95% CI (-3.305, -1.270); ΔSCS β = 0.013, 95% bootstrap CI (-0.600, 0.682); ΔTAS→ΔSCS β = -1.823, bootstrap CI (-2.770, -1.047)]. Conclusion Both alleviation of alexithymia and improvement in self-compassion play a mediating role in the reduction of psychosomatic distress in SSD patients following an MBCT program. Improvement in self-compassion might be a subsequent outcome of MBCT-related alleviation of alexithymia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianrong Xu
- Department of Pain Management, Jinxiang Hospital Affiliated to Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Jihong Shi
- Department of Consultation Psychology, Jining First People's Hospital, Jining, China
| | - Chengwen Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Samanci Y, Yoruk Oner SS, Peker S. Alexithymia and depression may predict treatment failure in patients undergoing Gamma Knife radiosurgery for trigeminal neuralgia: the potential contribution of colored pain drawings. J Neurosurg 2024; 140:507-514. [PMID: 37548559 DOI: 10.3171/2023.6.jns23834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) effectively achieves high rates of pain control in trigeminal neuralgia (TN); however, psychological factors can also impact how individuals perceive pain and respond to treatment. The authors aimed to measure the effects of alexithymia and depression on GKRS outcomes, as well as the potential role of colored pain drawings (CPDs) in identifying patients who require additional psychological support. METHODS Seventy-three medically intractable, typical patients with TN were included. Participants completed a visual analog scale (VAS), the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), and the Turkish version of the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Participants used colored pens to draw their pain patterns on standardized face charts and CPDs were categorized as expected or unexpected. Based on the Barrow Neurological Institute pain scale, patients were categorized as responders or nonresponders. RESULTS Most patients (63%) were female, and the median age was 60 (range 27-88) years. Of 73 patients, 56 (76.7%) were responders and 17 (23.3%) were nonresponders. Forty-nine patients (67.1%) had expected CPDs, whereas 24 (32.9%) had unexpected CPDs. Responder and nonresponder groups had similar ages, genders, education, comorbidities, and initial VAS scores. Both groups preferred the colors red and black to describe intense pain (79.2% vs 67.3%, p = 0.411). Significantly better pain relief was observed in patients with expected CPDs than in those with unexpected CPDs (87.8% vs 54.2%, p = 0.003). The unexpected CPD group had significantly more alexithymia (58.3% vs 32.7%, p = 0.045). The mean BDI-II score of the cohort was 26 (range 15-37) and was significantly higher in the unexpected group (28.3 vs 24.8, p = 0.028). Unexpected CPD (OR 12.540) and higher TAS-20 score (OR 3.22) increased treatment failure risk. CONCLUSIONS The outcomes of TN treatment can be influenced by psychological factors, and patients with TN with higher total TAS-20 and BDI-II scores, along with unexpected CPDs, had an increased likelihood of treatment failure. CPDs can be accessed quickly and may allow the physician to screen out most patients with unfavorable psychometrics and proceed with the necessary treatment with appropriate psychological support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yavuz Samanci
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul
- 3Gamma Knife Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Koç University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Selcuk Peker
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul
- 3Gamma Knife Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Koç University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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Kjaersdam Telléus G, Simonsen CB, Jakobsen AG, Dalgaard MK, Rasmussen SM, Nilsson KK. A multifaceted approach to assessment of mentalization: the mentalization profile in patients with eating disorders. Nord J Psychiatry 2024; 78:146-152. [PMID: 38134216 DOI: 10.1080/08039488.2023.2291177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: The existing literature, however sparse, suggests an association between eating disorders (ED) and mentalization ability. The aim of this study was to investigate the mentalization profile (MP) in patients with ED. It was hypothesized that patients with ED would have a lower degree of mentalization ability compared to healthy controls (HC).Materials and methods: The study is based on a cross-sectional survey on a sample of patients diagnosed with ED compared to a HC group.Results and conclusion: A total of 88 participants, distributed between patients with ED (N = 30) and HC (N = 58) were included.Results: The study results show statistically significant differences between patients with ED and HC. Thus, patients with an ED scored significantly higher on Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (uncertainty about mental states) (RFQ-U) (mean difference: 0.31, p = 0.048) and Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) (mean difference: 0.44, p = 0.019) compared to the HC. Furthermore, the results indicated that patients with Bulimia Nervosa (BN) may have a lower ability to mentalize about oneself as well as a generally lower ability to mentalize across different dimensions of the mentalization profile as the BN group scored significantly higher on RFQ-U (mean difference: 0.71, p = 0.023) and TAS-20 (mean difference: 0.89, p = 0.006) compared to the Anorexia Nervosa (AN) group. Further research should be conducted to gain knowledge on the mentalization ability in patients with an ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gry Kjaersdam Telléus
- Psychiatry, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Institute of Communication and Psychology, Psychology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Caroline Bach Simonsen
- Psychiatry, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Institute of Communication and Psychology, Psychology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | | | | | - Sofie Martine Rasmussen
- Psychiatry, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Kristine Kahr Nilsson
- Institute of Communication and Psychology, Psychology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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Ramya K, Jagadeswaran D. Alexithymia, Suicidal Ideation, and Self-Esteem As Psychological Factors Affecting Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Under Haemodialysis: A Contextual Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e54383. [PMID: 38371441 PMCID: PMC10874471 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease is a universal topic gravitating towards various aspects of widespread illness, impacting the overall well-being of human beings. Patients with longstanding renal complaints under dialysis encounter challenges correlated with physical, intuitive, and socio-economic conditions to a greater extent in their daily existence. These portions may include changes in the appearance of a person, restricted physique movements, curbed diet, duration of surgical protocols, travelling time during the period of prevention, financial load, role reversal in the family followed by ruining their livelihood, deprived social rank, difficulty in relational, cordial relationships, and so on. Excluding these details, the sick may be profoundly influenced by sorrow, health anxiety, despair, itching, the impoverished essence of vitality, dysfunction in sexual intimacy, impaired cognition, disturbances in disposition, sleeping fluctuations, frequent panic attacks, delirium, brain-afflicted degeneration disabilities, etcetera. Our analysis focuses on exploring a few unidentified intrinsic factors that distinguish these views over combined elements due to the existing disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Ramya
- Clinical Psychology, Saveetha College of Allied Health Sciences, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
| | - D Jagadeswaran
- Renal Science and Dialysis Technology, Saveetha College of Allied Health Sciences, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND
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Herman AM, Wypych M, Michałowski J, Marchewka A. Bodily confusion: Lower differentiation of emotional and physiological states in student alcohol users. Addict Biol 2024; 29:e13364. [PMID: 38380800 PMCID: PMC10898845 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alexithymia, difficulty in recognising and naming emotions, is common among people who use alcohol. There is also emerging evidence that people with alexithymia are unable to distinguish emotions from non-emotional physiological states. The project aimed to test if alcohol use is related to the way student drinkers experience emotions and physiological states in the body. METHODS We employed a novel method to study bodily sensations related to emotions and physiological states in the context of alcohol use: the emBODY tool, which allowed participants to mark areas of the body in which they experience various emotions and physiological states. RESULTS Students who showed a hazardous pattern of alcohol use (alcohol use disorders identification test [AUDIT] score ≥ 7, N = 91), overall, presented higher alexithymia levels and coloured larger areas for emotions and physiological states (showed less specificity) than those who show low-risk alcohol consumption (AUDIT ≤ 4, N = 90). Moreover, statistical classifiers distinguished feeling-specific maps less accurately for hazardous drinkers than low-risk drinkers [F(1,1998) = 441.16; p < 0.001], confirming that higher alcohol use is related to higher confusion of emotional and non-emotional bodily feelings. CONCLUSIONS Plausibly, this increased bodily confusion drives alcohol consumption: alcohol may serve as a means of dealing with undifferentiated changes in psychophysiological arousal accompanying emotional states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra M. Herman
- Laboratory of Brain Imaging, Nencki Institute of Experimental BiologyPolish Academy of SciencesWarsawPoland
| | - Marek Wypych
- Laboratory of Brain Imaging, Nencki Institute of Experimental BiologyPolish Academy of SciencesWarsawPoland
| | - Jarosław Michałowski
- Laboratory of Affective Neuroscience in Poznań, Faculty of Psychology and LawSWPS University of Social Sciences and HumanitiesPoznańPoland
| | - Artur Marchewka
- Laboratory of Brain Imaging, Nencki Institute of Experimental BiologyPolish Academy of SciencesWarsawPoland
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Kiefer R, Orchowski LM, Raudales AM, Weiss NH. Role of Alexithymia in the Association Between Childhood Abuse and Risk Perception for Sexual Victimization in College Women. J Interpers Violence 2024; 39:756-784. [PMID: 37750404 DOI: 10.1177/08862605231198099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Sexual victimization is prevalent among college women with a history of childhood abuse (CA), which some research suggests is linked to impaired risk perception for sexual victimization or difficulties identifying and responding to unwanted sexual advances. Alexithymia is one construct yet to be examined in the association between CA and risk perception for sexual victimization. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the associations between CA, alexithymia, and risk perception for sexual victimization in a sample of college women with a history of CA. Participants included 294 undergraduate women with a history of childhood emotional, physical, and/or sexual abuse (Mage = 20.6, 80.6% White). An a priori path analysis was conducted to examine whether alexithymia indirectly explains the association between CA and risk perception for sexual victimization (i.e., comprising two related constructs, including threat detection and behavioral response to threat). Supplementary analyses were conducted post hoc to examine potential differences across CA subtypes (emotional, physical, and sexual). Alexithymia indirectly explained the relationship between CA and threat detection, and behavioral response to threat. However, indirect effects were negative, suggesting that undergraduate women with more severe CA and alexithymia identify sexual assault threat cues and intentions to "leave" a hypothetical sexual assault scenario sooner rather than later. The same pattern of results was observed for emotional and physical (but not sexual) CA when examining their indirect effects on threat detection, and for emotional CA when examining behavioral response to threat. Findings contribute to the literature on sexual victimization by clarifying the role of alexithymia in risk perception for sexual victimization. Results also highlight the potential utility of increasing emotional literacy among college women with a history of CA (and especially emotional abuse) to facilitate adaptive responding to unwanted sexual advances.
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Morie KP, Zhai ZW, Crowley MJ, Potenza MN, Mayes LC. Relationships Between Prenatal Cocaine Exposure, Cannabis-Use Onset and Emotional and Related Characteristics in Young/Emerging Adults. Subst Use Misuse 2024; 59:388-397. [PMID: 37964628 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2275558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Background: Exposure to substances in utero may have significant early-life consequences. Less is known about the effects in emerging adulthood, particularly regarding patterns of substance use and related characteristics.Objectives: In this study, we recruited emerging adults, followed since birth, who had been prenatally exposed, or not, to cocaine. Individuals reported on their cannabis, alcohol, and tobacco use, and measures of impulsivity, anhedonia, emotional regulation, and mental health were obtained. Comparisons were made between emerging adults with prenatal cocaine exposure and those without. Correlations were performed between psychological measures and substance use, and regression analyses were conducted to determine potential pathways by which such measures may relate to prenatal exposure or substance use.Results: Individuals with prenatal cocaine exposure (vs. those without) used cannabis at younger ages, reported greater cannabis-use severity, and demonstrated higher impulsivity, state anxiety, and alexithymia. Earlier age of onset of cannabis use was associated with higher impulsivity, state anxiety, alexithymia, and social and physical anhedonia. Cannabis-use age-of-onset mediated the relationship between prenatal cocaine-exposure status and state anxiety and between prenatal cocaine-exposure status and cannabis-use severity in emerging adulthood but not relationships between prenatal cocaine-exposure status and impulsivity or alexithymia in emerging adulthood. Findings suggest that adults with prenatal cocaine exposure may use cannabis at younger ages, which may relate to increased anxiety and more severe use.Conclusions: These findings suggest both mechanisms and possible intervention targets to improve mental health in emerging adults with prenatal cocaine exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen P Morie
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Zu Wei Zhai
- Department of Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT, USA
| | - Michael J Crowley
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Marc N Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Wethersfield, CT, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Linda C Mayes
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Van Landeghem C, Jakobson LS. Isolating unique variance in mental health outcomes attributable to personality variables and childhood emotional abuse. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1330483. [PMID: 38318082 PMCID: PMC10838979 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1330483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction University students are at high risk for anxiety and depression. Our main objective was to tease apart variance in symptom severity that was uniquely attributable to four associated variables that are frequently confounded: exposure to childhood emotional abuse, alexithymia, sensory processing sensitivity (SPS), and anxiety sensitivity (AS). Methods University students (N = 410) completed an online survey designed to measure our four key study variables along with several other potentially relevant variables including sex, physical activity levels, and perceived COVID-19 impacts. Results Over half of the participants reported moderate to extremely severe symptoms of anxiety and depression. Females reported stronger signs of SPS and AS and were more likely than males to have increased their moderate/vigorous exercise since the pandemic began. After controlling for the other variables, the best predictors of perceived COVID-19 impacts were SPS, childhood emotional abuse, and current levels of physical activity. Whereas all three personality variables and childhood emotional abuse emerged as significant predictors of both depression and anxiety, neither COVID-19 impacts nor physical activity levels accounted for unique variance in either model. Unexpectedly, male sex emerged as an additional risk factor for depression, raising the possibility that males experience unique stressors and societal pressures that increase their risk of depression. Discussion These findings help to clarify the links between childhood emotional abuse, personality traits implicated in emotional awareness and self-regulation, and mental health. They may have important implications for the development and implementation of individualized treatments for common mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lorna S. Jakobson
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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Merlo EM, Tutino R, Myles LAM, Alibrandi A, Lia MC, Minasi D. Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Psychopathology, Uncertainty and Alexithymia: A Clinical and Differential Exploratory Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:257. [PMID: 38275537 PMCID: PMC10815314 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12020257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) represents a complex pathology affecting a large number of people. Research suggests that psychological factors influence coping with T1DM. This study aimed to investigate the presence and role of psychopathology, alexithymia and uncertainty in people affected by T1DM. The sample consisted of 137 patients (88 females, 49 males) affected by T1DM aged from 11 to 19 years old (Mean: 13.87; SD: 2.40). The diagnostic protocol consisted of a sociodemographic questionnaire, Self-administration Psychiatric Scales for Children and Adolescents (SAFA), Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20) and Intolerance to Uncertainty Scale-12 (IUS-12). Descriptive, differential, correlational and regression analyses were performed in order to examine the relationships between these variables. The results suggested the sample had high levels of psychopathological indexes, alexithymia and intolerance of uncertainty. Also, there were significant differences between TAS-20 and IUS-12 distributions with respect to psychopathology. Correlations and multivariate linear regressions indicated age, gender and education significantly predicted alexithymia and intolerance of uncertainty. This data suggest the presence of elevated psychopathology, alexithymia and uncertainty in people with diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Maria Merlo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Rita Tutino
- Pediatric Unit of Ospedali Riuniti Presidium, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Bianchi Melacrino Morelli, 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy; (R.T.); (M.C.L.); (D.M.)
| | | | - Angela Alibrandi
- Department of Economics, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy;
| | - Maria Carmela Lia
- Pediatric Unit of Ospedali Riuniti Presidium, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Bianchi Melacrino Morelli, 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy; (R.T.); (M.C.L.); (D.M.)
| | - Domenico Minasi
- Pediatric Unit of Ospedali Riuniti Presidium, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Bianchi Melacrino Morelli, 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy; (R.T.); (M.C.L.); (D.M.)
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Šalčiūnaitė-Nikonovė L, Leonas L, Sapranavičiūtė-Zabazlajeva L. The Effect of Alexithymia, Attention, and Pain Characteristics on Mentalizing Abilities Among Adults With Chronic Pain. Psychol Rep 2024:332941241226895. [PMID: 38214236 DOI: 10.1177/00332941241226895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Introduction: Impaired mentalizing abilities are found among persons with chronic pain, yet it is still unknown why. The current study focuses on mentalizing abilities and how these could be affected by different pain factors, alexithymia traits, and other aspects of psychological functioning (depression, anxiety, attention) in persons experiencing chronic pain.Methods: 71 participants (80.3% female; mean age 56.1 (SD = 13.1)) with subjectively reported chronic pain conditions participated in the study. Mentalizing abilities were assessed using an objective assessment of the Frith-Happé animations test. Alexithymia was measured using Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Subjectively reported data on various pain characteristics and other related psychological factors (depression, anxiety, attention) were collected. Bivariate linear regression analyses were used to identify variables that had statistically significant relationships with Frith-Happé test scores as dependent variables, which were then used to build multivariate models.Results: Mentalization task scores had no significant associations with alexithymia. However, in bivariate models, greater Frith-Happé animations categorisation score was associated with higher attention task scores (βs = .332, p = .005), higher education (βs = .317, p = .007), and lower level of depressiveness (βs = -.234, p = .049). Greater animations feelings scores were associated with less severe pain intensity (βs = -.322, p = .006), younger age (βs = -.399, p = .001), and better attention (βs = .383, p = .001). In multivariate analysis models predicting both animations categorisation and feelings scores, attention was found to be the only statistically significant factor (respectively, βs = .257, p = .029 and βs = .264, p = .035).Conclusions: No significant correlations were found between mentalizing abilities and alexithymic features in persons with chronic pain. Disruptions of attention was the most significant factor leading to lower mentalizing abilities in persons with chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Šalčiūnaitė-Nikonovė
- Department of Health Psychology, Faculty of Public Health, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Public Health, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Linas Leonas
- Department of Health Psychology, Faculty of Public Health, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Laura Sapranavičiūtė-Zabazlajeva
- Department of Health Psychology, Faculty of Public Health, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
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Zdankiewicz-Ścigała E, Ścigała DK, Trzebiński J. Alexithymia in the Narratization of Romantic Relationships: The Mediating Role of Fear of Intimacy. J Clin Med 2024; 13:404. [PMID: 38256538 PMCID: PMC10816129 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13020404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of the study was to verify the hypothesis concerning the relationship between alexithymia and selected indicators used to describe emotional events, specifically romantic relationships. Alexithymia, due to significant distortions in cognitive processing of emotional content, is demonstrated by poor recognition of emotions in oneself and others and, as a result, by deficits in empathy, avoidance of social relationships, and deficits in the ability to mentalize. Differences in narrations were tested by alexithymia levels (high vs. low) and the relation between specific narration features and individual alexithymia factors, i.e., difficulties in identifying emotions, difficulties in verbalising emotions, and externally oriented thinking. METHOD A total of 356 people who had been in a romantic relationship for at least six months participated in the study. The TAS-20 was applied to measure alexithymia, and the FIS questionnaire was used to investigate anxiety in close relationships. Participants were asked to freely describe the romantic relationship they were in at that moment. The Linguistic Inquiry Word Count (LIWCLIWC2015 v1.6-unlimited duration academic licence) software was used for content analysis. The study was conducted online. RESULTS On the basis of the analyses conducted, high levels of alexithymia were found to be significantly associated with a lower total number of words used in narrative, a lower number relating to positive emotions, a lower number relating to causation and insight, and a higher number relating to negative emotions. Various results were obtained for individual dimensions of alexithymia in relation to the LIWC categories and the mediating role of fear of intimacy. For the difficulty identifying feelings (DIF), a significant mediating effect was observed only for words associated with negative emotions, whereas for the difficulty describing feelings (DDF), significant mediating effects were found for words relating to negative emotions and causality. In the case of externally oriented thinking (EOT), significant mediating effects were obtained for all analysed categories from LIWC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dawid Konrad Ścigała
- Institute of Psychology, The Maria Grzegorzewska University, 02-353 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jerzy Trzebiński
- Faculty of Psychology, SWPS University, Chodakowska 19/33, 03-815 Warsaw, Poland
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Liang Y. Attachment Anxiety and Nomophobia: A Moderated Parallel Mediation Model. Psychol Rep 2024:332941241226907. [PMID: 38193445 DOI: 10.1177/00332941241226907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Nomophobia is the state of being anxious or disturbed when feeling disconnected from the digital world and can have a significant impact on individuals' health and well-being. Drawing upon attachment theory and the previous literature on nomophobia, this study aims to understand how attachment anxiety influences nomophobia and whether this relationship differs between males and females. In the Human Penguin Project (HPP) (N = 1221; 12 countries; participants aged ≥20 years), the Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire-Revised (ECR-R), the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q) were used to assess attachment anxiety, alexithymia, perceived stress, and nomophobia, respectively. The results demonstrated that (1) there were significant positive correlations between attachment anxiety, nomophobia, alexithymia, and perceived stress. Additionally, (2) there was a direct and significant effect of attachment anxiety on nomophobia, and alexithymia and perceived stress partially mediated this relationship. Finally, (3) gender significantly moderated the relationship between attachment anxiety and nomophobia. Specifically, the predicted effect was significant in both males and females, but the direct effect of attachment anxiety and nomophobia was stronger in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Liang
- School of Management, Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), Harbin, China
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Mueller VM, Forrer F, Meyer AH, Munsch S. Psychological correlates of body dissatisfaction in Swiss youth over a one-year study-period. Front Psychol 2024; 14:1269364. [PMID: 38259526 PMCID: PMC10802120 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1269364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction It is well known that young individuals often report pronounced negative perceptions and attitudes towards their own body or intense fear of being not muscular enough. There is much less data available, however, on the role of psychological mechanisms on these perceptions and attitudes, such as emotion regulation difficulties, correlates of alexithymia, and appearance-related rejection sensitivity. Methods We therefore set out to assess associations between these psychological mechanisms, and body image as well as muscle dysmorphic symptoms. Our sample was recruited as part of a larger-scale study aiming at assessing correlates of mental health (with a focus on eating disorder symptoms) in German speaking Switzerland. The first wave (T1), starting in April 2021, included 605 participants (80% female, 19.6 ± 2.5 years) who completed the online-questionnaire and were reassessed in a second wave (T2), one year later. Results Results indicated that at both waves, emotion regulation difficulties [DERS-SF] and appearance-based rejection sensitivity [ARS-D] were both positively cross-sectionally associated with body dissatisfaction [BSQ-8C] and muscle dysmorphic symptoms [MDDI] at the first assessment time-point and one year later at follow-up assessment. Moreover, alexithymia [TAS-20] was positively cross-sectionally associated with muscle dysmorphic symptoms at both waves. We further observed high absolute and relative level stabilities for all variables involved across the one-year study period. Discussion/Conclusion Even though the effects for some associations were rather small, our findings underline the relevance of such mechanisms in the development of body dissatisfaction and to a lesser extent of muscle dysmorphia symptoms over the period of one year. Additional research is necessary to replicate these findings in other youth samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena M. Mueller
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Felicitas Forrer
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Andrea H. Meyer
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Epidemiology, Institute of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Simone Munsch
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
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Boni M, Violi S, Ciaramella A. Role of history of traumatic life experiences in current psychosomatic manifestations. Scand J Pain 2024; 24:sjpain-2023-0102. [PMID: 38661113 DOI: 10.1515/sjpain-2023-0102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although the relationship between traumatic experiences (TEs) and psychosomatic manifestations (pain, somatization, somatosensory amplification [SSA], and alexithymia) has been widely described, very few studies have investigated how these variables correlate with each other and with a history of TEs. The aim of this study was to investigate whether and how current psychosomatic manifestations are correlated with major and minor adult- and childhood TEs. METHODS One hundred and forty-six patients (91 with pain) from the Pisa Gift Institute for Integrative Medicine Psychosomatics Lab., Italy, were assessed for pain, history of TEs (divided into major and minor based on whether or not they meet the DSM-5 Criterion A for post-traumatic stress disorder), alexithymia, somatization, and SSA. RESULTS TEs were positively correlated with age, the sensorial dimension and intensity of pain, somatization, psychopathology index, SSA, and alexithymia. Using the somatization score (controlled for age) as a covariate, the previous correlations between psychosomatic dimensions and TEs lost their statistical significance: SSA (total TEs: from r = 0.30, p = 0.000 to r = -0.04, p = 0.652); alexithymia (total TEs: from r = 0.28, p = 0.001 to r = 0.04, p = 0.663); sensorial dimension of pain (total TEs: from r = 0.30, p = 0.015 to r = 0.12, p = 0.373); and pain intensity (total TEs: from r = 0.38, p = 0.004 to r = -0.15, p = 0.317). Interestingly, the tendency to report more intense pain was mainly predicted by minor TEs in childhood (β = 0.28; p = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS The number of lifetime TEs is positively correlated with the sensorial dimension and intensity of pain but not its affective and cognitive dimensions. However, the former relationship depends on the presence of somatization. The intensity of pain is associated with minor rather than major TEs, especially when they occur in childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melania Boni
- Aplysia APS, Education Programme Partner, University of Pisa, Florence, Italy
| | - Simone Violi
- Aplysia APS, Education Programme Partner, University of Pisa, Florence, Italy
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonella Ciaramella
- Aplysia APS, Education Programme Partner, University of Pisa, Florence, Italy
- GIFT Institute of Integrative Medicine, Pisa, Italy
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Chizhova OA, Iuzbashian PG. [ Alexithymia and self-harm in people with borderline personality disorder]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2024; 124:102-108. [PMID: 38261291 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro2024124011102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of alexithymia and self-harm in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). To assess the role of alexithymia in the emergence of self-harm in patients with BPD. MATERIAL AND METHODS We studied 104 patients (85 women, 19 men aged 21 to 25 years (64.4%)), including 54 patients with and 50 patients without BPD. Most of them had incomplete higher education (55%). We used the Russian version of the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) to reveal alexithymia and SCID-II to diagnose BPD. The presence of self-harm behavior was confirmed by the subjects' anamnesis data. RESULTS The prevalence of alexithymia in patients with BPD was 83.3%, in the control group it was 52% (p=0.001). The prevalence of self-aggression was 70.3% (n=38) in patients with BPD, and 12% (n=6) in people without BPD. Self-harm among persons with alexithymia was noted in 62.5% (n=45). During the analysis, a connection between auto-aggression and alexithymia was found at the level of a statistical trend (p=0.051). CONCLUSION Alexithymia and self-harm are more common in patients with BPD than in healthy people. This type of emotional dysregulation mediates self-harm in patients with BPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- O A Chizhova
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - P G Iuzbashian
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
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Fazia G, Carbone EA, Rania M, Quirino D, Aloi M, de Filippis R, De Fazio P, Colloca L, Segura-García C. Pain experience in eating disorders: The mediating role of depression, alexithymia and interoceptive awareness. Eur Eat Disord Rev 2024; 32:148-160. [PMID: 37676995 DOI: 10.1002/erv.3020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Evidence suggests reduced sensitivity to pain due to high pain threshold in anorexia and bulimia nervosa and a possible role of depression, alexithymia and interoceptive awareness on pain experience. This study examined whether self-report and real-time evoked pain experience were mediated by depression, alexithymia and interoceptive awareness in a comprehensive sample of patients with eating disorders (ED). METHOD 145 participants (90 ED, 55 healthy controls (HC)) underwent a real-time evoked examination of pain and completed self-report questionnaires for pain (Pain Detect Questionnaire (PD-Q), PD-Q VAS, Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs), depression (BDI-II), interoceptive awareness Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA), and alexithymia (TAS-20). Three mediation models, with ED diagnosis as independent variable, and BDI, MAIA and TAS-20 as mediators, were tested. RESULTS Participants with ED and HC exhibited similar pain type and intensity (self-report and real-time). Eating disorders diagnosis was associated with lower self-report pain intensity and non-neuropathic like pain experience (model 1-2). Depressive symptoms partially (model 1-2) or fully (model 3) mediated the association between ED diagnosis and pain experience, alone (model 1) or via alexithymia (model 3). Interoceptive awareness did not influence pain symptomatology. DISCUSSION ED diagnosis is associated with non-neuropathic and lower pain experience. However, concurrent depression and alexithymia are associated with higher pain symptoms and neuropathic features. These results could inform clinicians about the influence of psychopathology on pain experience in ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilda Fazia
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- Outpatient Unit for Clinical Research and Treatment of Eating Disorders, University Hospital Mater Domini, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Elvira Anna Carbone
- Outpatient Unit for Clinical Research and Treatment of Eating Disorders, University Hospital Mater Domini, Catanzaro, Italy
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Marianna Rania
- Outpatient Unit for Clinical Research and Treatment of Eating Disorders, University Hospital Mater Domini, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Daria Quirino
- Outpatient Unit for Clinical Research and Treatment of Eating Disorders, University Hospital Mater Domini, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Matteo Aloi
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Renato de Filippis
- Outpatient Unit for Clinical Research and Treatment of Eating Disorders, University Hospital Mater Domini, Catanzaro, Italy
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pasquale De Fazio
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Luana Colloca
- Pain and Translational Symptom Science, University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Cristina Segura-García
- Outpatient Unit for Clinical Research and Treatment of Eating Disorders, University Hospital Mater Domini, Catanzaro, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
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Martino G, Viola A, Vicario CM, Bellone F, Silvestro O, Squadrito G, Schwarz P, Lo Coco G, Fries W, Catalano A. Psychological impairment in inflammatory bowel diseases: the key role of coping and defense mechanisms. Res Psychother 2023; 26:731. [PMID: 38224215 PMCID: PMC10849073 DOI: 10.4081/ripppo.2023.731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
A comprehensive investigation of psychological features in chronic patients is very important for tailoring effective treatments. In this study we tested anxiety, depression, health related quality of life (HR-QoL), alexithymia, coping styles, and defense mechanisms, in eighty-four patients with Crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Participants reported low to moderate HRQoL and anxiety, apart from alexithymia. Women experienced lower QoL and higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Coping and defense strategies were related to distress symptoms and QoL. Positive attitude and principalization, showed negative associations with depression, anxiety and alexithymia and were also found to be associated with mental health. CD patients used significantly more turning against objects (p=0.02) and projections (p=0.01) and UC patients used more reversal (p=0.04). Elderly women showed higher anxiety symptoms and lower perceived QoL. Multiple regression analysis revealed anxiety and depression were independently associated with QoL. Significant differences emerged in defense styles among CD and UC. CD participants used more maladaptive coping and defense styles which were related to mental distress, depression and anxiety, together with higher level of alexithymia. Findings suggest that psychological aspects play a key role in mental health in patients suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases. A multi-integrated clinical strategy including psychotherapeutic interventions should be considered in treating CD and UC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Martino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina.
| | - Anna Viola
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina.
| | - Carmelo Mario Vicario
- Department of Cognitive Science, Psychology, Education and Cultural Studies, University of Messina.
| | | | - Orlando Silvestro
- Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro.
| | - Giovanni Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina.
| | - Peter Schwarz
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen.
| | - Gianluca Lo Coco
- Psychological, Pedagogical, Exercise and Training Sciences, University of Palermo.
| | - Walter Fries
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina.
| | - Antonino Catalano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina.
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Veggi S, Benfante A, Di Tella M, Roveta F, Castelli L, Zara G. Intimate Partner Violence and Alexithymia: Do Emotions Matter? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Trauma Violence Abuse 2023:15248380231217045. [PMID: 38131327 DOI: 10.1177/15248380231217045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Intimate partner violence (IPV) encompasses physical, sexual, or psychological abuse. Recent evidence suggests that victims and perpetrators might share some common psychological characteristics. Particularly, high levels of alexithymia, a difficulty in identifying and expressing emotions, and an externally oriented thinking style were found in both victims and perpetrators when compared to the general population. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify the levels of alexithymia in victims and perpetrators of IPV and compare these levels to controls. We systematically searched PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, using the following strings: ("intimate partner violence" OR "IPV" OR "partner abuse") AND ("alexithymia" OR "alexithymic"). The inclusion criteria were: adult perpetrators or victims of IPV; with or without a rehabilitation program; having or not a comparison group from the general population; alexithymia as outcome; all types of study design. Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. Data were meta-analyzed with random-effects models. Results showed comparable levels of alexithymia in victims and perpetrators of IPV (mean = 55.92 vs. 55.15, respectively). Furthermore, we found increased alexithymia in victims (Hedges' g, 0.87 [95% CI 0.43, 1.31]) and perpetrators (Hedges' g, 0.94 [95% CI 0.77, 1.12]) compared to controls. These results highlight that both perpetrators and victims exhibited high levels of alexithymia. A deeper understanding of this psychological dimension can help professionals to plan better-tailored interventions, in which all relevant factors associated with IPV are considered.
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Desdentado L, Miragall M, Llorens R, Navarro MD, Baños RM. Identifying and regulating emotions after acquired brain injury: the role of interoceptive sensibility. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1268926. [PMID: 38179500 PMCID: PMC10764614 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1268926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Desdentado
- Polibienestar Research Institute, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- CIBER of Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Personality, Evaluation, and Psychological Treatments, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta Miragall
- CIBER of Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Personality, Evaluation, and Psychological Treatments, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Roberto Llorens
- Neurorehabilitation and Brain Research Group, Institute for Human-Centered Technology Research, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Rosa M. Baños
- Polibienestar Research Institute, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- CIBER of Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Personality, Evaluation, and Psychological Treatments, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Bastoni I, Guerrini Usubini A, Gobetti M, Sanna M, Pagnoncelli G, Uboldi L, Villa V, Castelnuovo G, Sartorio A, Mendolicchio L. Let the Body Talk: Preliminary Data of an Open Trial of Dance Movement Therapy for Eating Disorders. J Clin Med 2023; 13:5. [PMID: 38202012 PMCID: PMC10779718 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing support for considering Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) as an effective approach to improving physical and psychological symptoms in eating disorders (ED), but additional evidence is needed. The current study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a DMT intervention for inpatients with ED during an in-hospital rehabilitation program for ED in reducing emotion dysregulation and alexithymia and improving interoceptive awareness. METHODS Forty-nine consecutive inpatient young women with ED (aged between 18 and 34 years) recruited from a clinical center for the rehabilitation of obesity and ED received four group sessions of DMT intervention. All participants completed the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS), and the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness Scale (MAIA) before (Time 0) and after the intervention (Time 1). Paired-sample t-tests were run to assess differences between Time 0 to Time 1. RESULTS From pre-to-post interventions, there was a significant reduction in the means of all of the subscales of DERS, suggesting an improvement in emotion regulation competencies, with the only exception for difficulties in awareness that increased (p = 0.016). We also found a significant reduction in alexithymia, as proved by significant differences in all of the subscales and the total score of TAS (p < 0.001), and significant improvements in interoceptive awareness as suggested by increased scores of the noticing (p = 0.043), emotional awareness (p < 0.001), body listening (p < 0.001), and trusting (p < 0.001) subscales of MAIA. CONCLUSION Overall, our results point towards the efficacy of dance/movement in reducing symptoms of eating disorders. Our findings also suggest that dancing can be considered a useful intervention to increase emotional regulation, reduce alexithymia, and enhance interoceptive awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Bastoni
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 20145 Milan, Italy; (I.B.); (V.V.); (G.C.)
- Centro Arti Terapie, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.S.); (G.P.); (L.U.)
| | - Anna Guerrini Usubini
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 20145 Milan, Italy; (I.B.); (V.V.); (G.C.)
| | - Maria Gobetti
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, 20123 Milan, Italy;
| | - Mila Sanna
- Centro Arti Terapie, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.S.); (G.P.); (L.U.)
| | - Glenda Pagnoncelli
- Centro Arti Terapie, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.S.); (G.P.); (L.U.)
- Politecnico di Milano—METID: Metodi e Tecnologie Innovative per la Didattica, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Uboldi
- Centro Arti Terapie, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.S.); (G.P.); (L.U.)
| | - Valentina Villa
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 20145 Milan, Italy; (I.B.); (V.V.); (G.C.)
| | - Gianluca Castelnuovo
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 20145 Milan, Italy; (I.B.); (V.V.); (G.C.)
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, 20123 Milan, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Sartorio
- Experimental Laboratory for Auxo-Endocrinological Research, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 20145 Milan, Italy;
| | - Leonardo Mendolicchio
- Division of Eating and Nutrition Disorders, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 28824 Verbania, Italy;
- Experimental Laboratory for Metabolic Neurosciences, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 28824 Verbania, Italy
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Cai F, Jiang H, Tong S, Zhou S, Wang M, Sun S, Liu J, Xu Y, Lin N, Dai J, Wang X, Wang W, Zhao K, Wu X. Alexithymia is associated with insomnia in Chinese patients with schizophrenia. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1252763. [PMID: 38161729 PMCID: PMC10757626 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1252763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Sleep disorders are prevalent among patients with schizophrenia and are associated with several negative consequences. Although, researchers have recently suggested that sleep disorders have a close correlation with alexithymia, and schizophrenia also has a strong correlation with alexithymia, there have been few studies on the relationships between schizophrenia, sleep disorders and alexithymia. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the relationships between psychiatric symptoms, alexithymia and sleep problems in patients with schizophrenia so as to provide a reference for the clinical treatment of this comorbidity. Methods In total, 977 patients with schizophrenia were recruited for this study. The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) was used to assess sleep disorders, and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) and Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS) were used to evaluate clinical symptoms, cognitive functions and the ability to express emotion, respectively. Results The results indicated that the PANSS subscales (G-subscore) and TAS group were risk factors for insomnia in schizophrenia patients (all p < 0.05). The mediation model showed the standardized path coefficients from schizophrenia to alexithymia (β = 0.104, p < 0.001) and from alexithymia to insomnia (β = 0.038, p < 0.001) were statistically significant. Conclusion The results of this study indicated that alexithymia is associated with sleep disturbance in patients with schizophrenia. These findings may provide a new avenue for the treatment of schizophrenia patients with sleep disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Cai
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Huixia Jiang
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Siyu Tong
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Siyao Zhou
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Mengpu Wang
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shiyu Sun
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jie Liu
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yao Xu
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Nankai Lin
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jiajing Dai
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xinyao Wang
- Renji College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- The Affiliated Kangning Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ke Zhao
- Lishui Second People’s Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
- The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorder, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xixi Wu
- Wenzhou Lucheng District Third People’s Hospital, Wenzhou, China
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Vaioli G, Bastoni I, Villa V, Mendolicchio L, Castelnuovo G, Mauro A, Scarpina F. "I cannot see your fear!" Altered recognition of fearful facial expressions in anorexia nervosa. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1280719. [PMID: 38125860 PMCID: PMC10732310 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1280719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The evidence about facial emotion recognition in anorexia nervosa as the role of alexithymic traits on this emotional ability is conflicting and heterogeneous. Objective We assessed the capability of recognizing facial expressions of two primary emotions, fear, and anger, in the context of anorexia nervosa. Methods Women affected by anorexia nervosa were compared with healthy weight women in a well-established implicit facial emotion recognition task. Both reaction time and level of accuracy were computed. Moreover, the individual levels of alexithymia were assessed through a standard self-report questionnaire. Results Participants with anorexia nervosa reported a significantly lower performance in terms of reaction time and accuracy when the emotion of fear-but not anger-was the target. Notably, such an alteration was linked to the levels of alexithymia reported in the self-report questionnaire. Conclusion In anorexia nervosa, difficulties in processing facial fearful (but not angry) expressions may be observed as linked to higher expressions of alexithymic traits. We suggested future research in which emotional processing will be investigated taking into account the role of the bodily dimensions of emotional awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Vaioli
- I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, U.O. di Neurologia e Neuroriabilitazione, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Piancavallo, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bastoni
- I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Laboratorio di Psicologia, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Piancavallo, Italy
| | - Valentina Villa
- I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Laboratorio di Psicologia, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Piancavallo, Italy
| | - Leonardo Mendolicchio
- I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, U.O. dei Disturbi del Comportamento Alimentare, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Piancavallo, Italy
| | - Gianluca Castelnuovo
- I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Laboratorio di Psicologia, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Piancavallo, Italy
- Psychology Department, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mauro
- I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, U.O. di Neurologia e Neuroriabilitazione, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Piancavallo, Italy
- “Rita Levi Montalcini” Department of Neurosciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Federica Scarpina
- I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, U.O. di Neurologia e Neuroriabilitazione, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Piancavallo, Italy
- “Rita Levi Montalcini” Department of Neurosciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Peng P, Wang D, Wang Q, Zhou Y, Hao Y, Chen S, Wu Q, Liu T, Zhang X. Alexithymia in Chinese patients with chronic schizophrenia: Prevalence, clinical correlates, and relationship with neurocognition and empathy. Asia Pac Psychiatry 2023; 15:e12547. [PMID: 37635651 DOI: 10.1111/appy.12547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alexithymia is highly prevalent and strongly related to adverse consequences in patients with schizophrenia. However, its associated factors remain largely unexplored. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of alexithymia and its association with sociocultural characteristics, clinical symptoms, neurocognition, and empathy in 854 Chinese patients with schizophrenia. METHOD Demographic information was collected through a self-designed questionnaire. Alexithymia was assessed by the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). We assessed clinical symptoms, neurocognition, and empathy via the following instruments: Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status, and Interpersonal Reactivity Index. A multiple logistic regression model was conducted to determine the independent correlates of alexithymia. RESULTS Approximately one-third (n = 277, 32%) of patients with schizophrenia had alexithymia. Patients with alexithymia had significantly more severe negative symptoms, neurocognition, and empathy impairment than patients without alexithymia. Being male, negative symptoms, personal distress, empathic concern, and language functioning were independently associated with alexithymia. DISCUSSION Our findings demonstrate a high prevalence of alexithymia and its strong association with clinical symptoms, neurocognition, and empathy, which calls for timely screening and intervention for alexithymia in patients with schizophrenia. Targeting impaired language function, negative symptoms, and impaired affective empathy might help reduce alexithymia and its related negative consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu Peng
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Dongmei Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qianjin Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yanan Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry, Hunan Brain Hospital (Hunan Second People's Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Yuzhu Hao
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shubao Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qiuxia Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Tieqiao Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiangyang Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Kaninia S, McCarthy RA, Saad Z, Pengas GP. Young-onset dementia with Lewy Bodies presenting with apathy and alexithymia. Neurocase 2023; 29:191-194. [PMID: 38752858 DOI: 10.1080/13554794.2024.2354545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
A diagnosis of young-onset dementia can pose a significant challenge for the clinician. We present a young patient with a very unusual presentation of Dementia with Lewy Bodies. The lack of motor symptoms and his marked apathy delayed his diagnosis. His symptoms were thought to be due to depression based on normal structural imaging and the psychiatric nature of his presentation. An extensive work-up was performed. Evidence of a structural neurodegenerative process was provided by the HMPAO-SPECT. Cardiac MIBG confirmed the diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Kaninia
- Wessex Neurological Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Rosaleen A McCarthy
- Wessex Neurological Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Zia Saad
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - George P Pengas
- Wessex Neurological Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
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