[Psychodynamic and neurobiological influences in the etiology of alexithymia]

This article discusses modern theories about the influence of developmental factors on the genesis of alexithymia and about its influence on maturing neurobiological structures. Against this background it becomes clear that core concepts of psychodynamic psychotherapy, like the concept of a unconscious level of experience, are confirmed by modern neurobiological research. Thus, modern psychosomatic research should strive to validate clinical core concepts by the use of empirical studies which also consider neurobiological parameters.