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Depression, alexithymia, and pain prone disorder: a Rorschach study
1Department of Psychology, Loyola University of Chicago, IL 60626.
Journal of Personality Assessment
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Chronic low back pain (LBP) patients show distinct psychological profiles compared to those with depression. Alexithymia, the inability to identify and describe emotions, appears linked to LBP.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Pain Management
Background:
- The relationship between depression and chronic low back pain (LBP) is complex and debated.
- Predisposing factors for LBP disability and depression are not fully understood.
- Alexithymia is hypothesized as a potential predisposing factor in psychosomatic disorders like chronic LBP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between depression, alexithymia, and chronic LBP.
- To differentiate chronic LBP patients from inpatient depressives using psychological assessments.
- To explore alexithymia as a potential cognitive mediator in LBP.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Rorschach comprehensive system for psychological assessment.
- Compared 33 chronic LBP patients with Research Diagnostic Criteria-diagnosed inpatient depressives.
- Assessed for features of alexithymia and similarities to DSM-III personality disorders.
Main Results:
- LBP patients were psychologically distinct from inpatient depressives.
- Rorschach findings indicated alexithymia features in chronic LBP patients.
- Chronic LBP patients shared some psychological characteristics with a group diagnosed with personality disorders.
Conclusions:
- Chronic LBP patients exhibit unique psychological traits, including alexithymia.
- Alexithymia may play a role in the cognitive mediation of coping and adaptation in LBP.
- Further research is warranted to understand the interplay of depression, alexithymia, and LBP.