Psychotherapies for psychosomatic and alexithymic patients

The difficulties encountered in the treatment of psychosomatic and alexithymic patients are discussed in some detail. The possible etiological theories about alexithymia, namely, genetic, neuroanatomical/neurophysiological, developmental/sociocultural and psychodynamic, are reviewed. The various therapeutic interventions available are described and the conclusion is reached that supportive psychiatric treatments are recommended for primary alexithymic psychosomatic patients, while modified psychodynamic therapies are considered best suited for secondary alexithymic individuals.