Alexithymia and somatic complaints in psychiatric out-patients

This study investigated the prevalence of alexithymia and its relationship with somatic complaints in a sample of 118 general psychiatric out-patients. Of the sample 39.8% scored in the alexithymic range of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Compared with the non-alexithymic patients, the alexithymic patients scored significantly higher on several Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) scales that collectively measure a diverse and extensive range of somatic symptoms and bodily concerns. In addition, the alexithymic patients had significantly higher levels of anxiety, depression, and general psychological turmoil. Although the alexithymic and non-alexithymic patients did not differ on the MMPI Repression and overall Hysteria Scales, which reflect the defenses of denial and repression, the alexithymic patients had significantly less ego strength and were significantly more dependent and more likely to engage in impulsive and acting out behaviours. The overall pattern of results is consistent with the view that alexithymic individuals are prone to both 'functional' somatic symptoms and symptoms of emotional turmoil because they are not well equipped psychologically.