Large bowel disorders. II. Psychopathology and alexithymia

Psychopathology and alexithymia were investigated in a consecutive series of 60 patients suffering from large bowel disorders (ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome and appendicitis). Patients with irritable bowel syndrome reported the highest percentage of psychiatric illness and the lowest alexithymic score. Conversely, patients with ulcerative colitis showed very pronounced alexithymic traits with limited psychopathology. Implications for psychosomatic research and treatment are discussed.