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Alexithymia and somatic amplification in chronic pain
A Kosturek1, R J Gregory, A J Sousou
1Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York (SUNY) Health Science Center, Syracuse 13210, USA.
Psychosomatics
|October 17, 1998
Summary
Chronic pain patients showed lower alexithymia and somatic amplification than controls. Depression and anxiety, not pain, primarily determined these traits, suggesting distinct psychological markers for chronic pain.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Pain Medicine
Background:
- Alexithymia and somatic amplification are psychological constructs relevant to somatoform disorders.
- Their role in chronic pain conditions requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare alexithymia and somatic amplification levels in chronic pain patients versus a control group.
- To identify psychological determinants of alexithymia and somatic amplification in chronic pain.
Main Methods:
- Controlled study involving 50 chronic pain outpatients referred for psychiatric consultation.
- Data collection included demographics, DSM-IV diagnoses, anxiety, depression, Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), and Somatosensory Amplification Scale (SAS).
Main Results:
- Chronic pain patients exhibited lower scores on the TAS-20 and SAS compared to the control group.
- Depression and anxiety were significant predictors of alexithymia and somatic amplification in this cohort, overriding pain severity.
Conclusions:
- Psychological profiles of chronic pain may differ from other somatoform disorders.
- Anxiety and depression are key factors influencing alexithymia and somatic amplification in chronic pain patients.