[Alexithymia, a male disorder and a female suffering]

Alexithymia (AL) is characterized as an emotional communicative deficit, associated with operational thinking, impulsivity and heavy bodily sensations. AL is a frequent male profile (prevalence of 10 %). Cerebroorganic, psychic or social factors take part in its etiology. A differential diagnosis is essential with blocking of affect and atypical depression. The new concept of pseudoalexithymia is introduced here. AL disturbs seriously the dyadic adjustment in couple and increases the susceptibility to somatic or mental diseases. Some orientations for diagnosis and treatment are given. In conclusion, this study supports the great importance of AL in society, family and clinic.