Age is strongly associated with alexithymia in the general population

We studied the prevalence of alexithymia, its distribution in different age groups in a wide age range, its association with sociodemographic and health-related variables, and its co-occurrence with depression.

The study forms part of the Health 2000 Study. The original sample comprised 8028 subjects representing the general adult population of Finland. Alexithymia was measured with the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), and depression was measured with the 21-item Beck Depression Inventory. Altogether, 5454 participants filled in TAS-20 in their mother tongue.

The prevalence of alexithymia was 9.9%. Men (11.9%) were more commonly alexithymic than women (8.1%). Alexithymia was associated with male gender, increasing age, low educational level, poor perceived health, and depression.

The findings were in line with earlier population studies. For the first time, it was possible to analyze the prevalence of alexithymia in a wide age range (30-97 years). International comparative studies are needed.