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Alexithymia in multiple sclerosis: relationship with fatigue and depression
B Bodini1, G Mandarelli, V Tomassini
1Department of Neurological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|December 29, 2007
Summary
Alexithymia, the inability to identify and describe emotions, is prevalent in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. This condition is linked to increased fatigue and depression severity in individuals with MS.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease.
- Fatigue and depression are common and disabling symptoms in MS patients.
- Alexithymia is a personality trait characterized by difficulties in identifying and expressing emotions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of alexithymia in patients with multiple sclerosis.
- To examine the relationship between alexithymia and MS-related fatigue and depression.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-eight patients with relapsing-remitting MS were evaluated.
- Neurological status was assessed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale.
- Alexithymia, depression, and fatigue were measured using validated questionnaires (Toronto Alexithymia Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Fatigue Severity Scale).
Main Results:
- The prevalence of alexithymia was 13.8%, with an additional 27.6% showing borderline alexithymia.
- Fatigue affected 67% of patients, and depression was reported by 29.3%.
- Alexithymic patients reported significantly higher levels of fatigue and depression.
Conclusions:
- Alexithymia is a relevant characteristic in the MS population.
- Alexithymia is associated with increased severity of fatigue and depression in multiple sclerosis.
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