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Prevalence and correlates of alexithymia in older persons with medically (un)explained physical symptoms

Pauline Bos1, Richard C Oude Voshaar1, Denise J C Hanssen1

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.

International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry
|May 18, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Older adults with Medically Unexplained Symptoms (MUS) have higher rates of alexithymia, a condition linked to depression. This highlights the need for better understanding of these conditions in later life.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Psychiatry
  • Psychosomatic Medicine

Background:

  • Medically Unexplained Symptoms (MUS) and alexithymia are poorly understood in older adults.
  • These conditions may contribute to a significant disease burden in elderly patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of alexithymia in older patients with MUS versus Medically Explained Symptoms (MES).
  • To investigate the physical, psychological, and social factors associated with alexithymia in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 118 older adults (over 60 years) with MUS and 154 with MES.
  • Alexithymia was assessed using the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale.
  • Various questionnaires were used to measure associated correlates.

Main Results:

  • Alexithymia was more prevalent and severe in older adults with MUS compared to MES.
  • Prevalence of alexithymia in the MUS group was 23.7%.
  • Alexithymia showed an association with depressive symptoms, particularly within the MUS group.

Conclusions:

  • Alexithymia prevalence in older MUS patients is comparable to studies using similar methods, though lower than in younger somatoform disorder patients.
  • The findings underscore the importance of understanding the link between alexithymia, MUS, and depression in older adults.
  • Further research is needed to develop interventions addressing these interconnected issues in later life.
Keywords:
alexithymiacase control studymedically unexplained symptomsold agephysical symptomssomatoform

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