Alexithymia and depression in families with alcoholics

Alexithymia and depression in family members of alcoholics were examined among 48 families. Results were as follows: (1) The prevalence of alexithymia was 47.9% (23 cases), whereas that of depression was only 6.3% (3 cases); (2) no significant correlation between alexithymia and depression was noted; (3) expressiveness and conflict were significantly lower in families with alcoholics than in healthy families without alcoholics, although families with alcoholics do have strong conflicts. The results suggest the possibility that half of them forcefully suppress their conflicts, unconsciously deny the existence of alcoholics, and finally manifest secondary alexithymia.