[Alexithymia: important for understanding mood disorders with older adults?]

Alexithymia (cognitive and affective emotion regulation) may be important for understanding mood disorders in older adults. In the present study it is examined whether alexithymia (i) acts as a stable personality trait, (ii) is independent from the Big Five personality traits, and (iii) is associated with the course and outcome of depressive disorder. Alexithymia was assessed at intake and after three months in older adults with a (sub)clinical depressive disorder using the The Bermond Vorst Alexithymia Questionnaire (BVAQ). The results show that alexithymia acts as a stable and independent personality trait. Alexithymia was no predictor for the outcome of depression after three months. It was concluded that alexithymia should be considered when assessing and treating depression in older adults. However, further research is necessary.